Mikel Arteta singles out two ‘unbelievable’ Arsenal stars who stepped up to ‘another level’ in Southampton clash

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MIKEL ARTETA labelled two Arsenal players “unbelievable” and “incredible” following their 3-1 win over Southampton.

The Gunners came from behind to beat the newly-promoted outfit at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon.

a man with a watch on his wrist applauds during a soccer gameMikel Arteta heaped praise on two of his attacking playersReuters
a soccer player wearing a jersey that says emirates fly betBukayo Saka was the key man yet again for ArsenalGetty

Kai Havertz cancelled out Cameron Archer’s opener, before goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka secured the victory.

Saka, 23, netted the third having assisted Arsenal‘s other two.

He now has seven assists in seven Premier League games this season – more than any player in Europe’s top five divisions.

And Arteta has hailed him for improving even more at the start of the campaign.

He said: “He’s taken another step ahead in what he does and especially when [he does it].

“[He can] do it at home, do it away, do it in big games, in the not-so-big games and when the teams need not when it’s already 3-0. That’s what defines a top, top player.

“What he is doing at his age is unbelievable.”

Arteta also took the time to praise Kai Havertz – who equalled a record set by Robin van Persie with his goal against Saints.

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a soccer player wearing a jersey that says emirates on itKai Havertz scored for a seventh home game in a rowGetty

Arsenal ratings vs Southampton: Saka saves nervy Gunners with Jesus low on confidence

ARSENAL came from behind to beat Southampton 3-1 in front of a temporarily anxious Emirates crowd.

Here’s how SunSport’s Ivan Speck rated every Arsenal player…

David Raya – 6

A spectator for most of the game. Could do anything to keep out Cameron Archer’s curling opener.

Thomas Partey – 6

Swapped his usual defensive midfield role for right-back, though given the one-way traffic, he barely had any defensive duties.

But he supported Saka at every opportunity.

William Saliba – 6

Dependable as always when he was needed, which was mostly in the second half.

Could have closed down Archer more quickly for the Southampton goal, but not alone in that.

Gabriel – 6

Spent more time in the Southampton box trying to get his head on corners than in his own area, especially in the first half.

Handled the giant Paul Onuachu well when Southampton threw him on.

Riccardo Calafiori – 5

Given a couple of uncomfortable moments by Tyler Dibling.

Did not seem to know which way the St Mary’s youngster was going half the time.

Jorginho – 6

Inches wide with a searing low shot late in the first half.

Probed but rarely found an incisive pass through the yellow shirts. Taken off after an hour.

Declan Rice – 6

His usual solid self and tried to take on a more creative role with Southampton camped out in front of their own area, but prefers an open game to showcase his box-to-box talents.

Raheem Sterling  – 7

A freedom about his play. Happy to take on defenders at pace with his dancing feet.

Unlucky not to finish off one dazzling run and even more unfortunate to be taken off after an hour.

But was robbed of the ball for the Saints opener.

Bukayo Saka – 9

A game of two halves. Had to cope with being double-teamed every time he picked up the ball in the first half and there was disbelief around the Emirates when he launched one shot high into the stands.

The second period was a different story. Tore Southampton to shreds time and again.

A brilliant floated cross for Gabriel Martinelli to put Arsenal ahead, then a typically clinical finish for his side’s third.

Kai Havertz – 8

Proved his worth again as a scorer of important goals with the crucial equaliser just as nerves were beginning to jangle around the Emirates.

Gabriel Jesus – 4

Too long in the shadows has drained him of the belief he had when he first arrived at Arsenal as the main man up front.

Two tame shots summed up his current ineffectiveness.

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Gabriel Martinelli (Sterling 60) – 8

Three weeks ago, his role in the Arsenal side was in question.

His form has returned in spades with a second Premier League goal in successive weeks.

Leandro Trossard (Jesus 61) – 7

Like Martinelli, welcomed as a hero when he came on. Has become an important player in this Arsenal team. His run led to the third Arsenal goal.

Mikel Merino (Jorginho 61) – 6

A first Premier League appearance in Arsenal colours. Introduced just as the games was opening up and will benefit from the taster.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (Partey 84) – 6

Back from injury. Given a run out towards the end to ease him back into first team duties.

Jakub Kiwior (Calafiori 90) – 6

Introduced late on when the game was won. Not much to do.

The German, 25, scored for a seventh consecutive game at the Emirates, matching Van Persie’s feat during the 2011/12 season.

Arteta added: “You can tell [his confidence has grown]. The way he holds the ball, the positions he takes in the box. He’s an attacking midfielder but he plays as a nine so you don’t know where he is.

a poster showing arsenal v southampton match stats

“That’s his football brain and for sure his focus now is I’m going to win the game, I’m going to do it’ and that’s a different thing.

“He’s practising and he wants more. He’s not satisfied with what he is doing because there is still another level for him.

“He’s surrounded by incredible players but something has changed in him and that confidence you really sense it. And now he’s scoring in games and winning football matches which is great.”

a poster showing the stats of bukayo saka vs saint
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