Premier League

MIKEL ARTETA was spotted checking his “dark arts” notepad which included THREE key principles to beating Southampton.Arsenal secured a 3-1 home win against the Premier League’s basement boys on Saturday to keep his side hot on the tails of Man City and Liverpool.Mikel Arteta was spotted checking his ‘dark arts’ notepad on SaturdayCredit: RexThe tactical instructions paid off as Arsenal beat Southampton 3-1Credit: RexThe Gunners came from behind to secure all three points thanks to strikes from Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.And Arsenal have now won their last four in all competitions while remaining unbeaten.However, Arteta may have to rethink his tactics for the next match at Bournemouth.The Spaniard loves to make scribbles on tactical plans before and during matches.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd unfortunately for Arteta, his latest notes were caught in broad daylight at the Emirates.One piece of paper, with a red header and footer, appeared to show positions on the field with various instructions.However, it was difficult to make out what exactly it said, with the black ink written on the other side.Yet another note was clearer to see.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd it appeared to outline Arteta’s three “principles” to beating Southampton.The first note read: “Force AR 6 yard.”Arsenal player ratings vs SouthamptonOne piece of paper was hard to decipherThe other showed several instructions, including one that may have targeted Aaron RamsdaleCredit: Dave Shopland/REX/ShutterstockIt is unclear what exactly this meant.But it could be interpreted as instructions to make Saints goalie and former Arsenal star Aaron Ramsdale play on the edge of his six-yard box.Arteta’s next two “principles” were harder to gauge due to his fingers blocking the final words.One read: “Force our…”And the second added: “Avoid switch…”Below, there was another section to Arteta’s masterplan.One note said: “Throw ins. Who takes it?”While the second said “right” before being cut off by Arteta’s fingers.After the game, the Spaniard praised his Arsenal players for their resilient performance.Arsenal ratings vs Southampton: Saka saves nervy Gunners with Jesus low on confidenceARSENAL 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 – 6A spectator for most of the game. Could do anything to keep out Cameron Archer’s curling opener.Thomas Partey – 6Swapped 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 – 6Dependable 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 – 6Spent 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 – 5Given 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 – 6Inches 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 – 6His 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  – 7A 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 – 9A 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 – 8Proved 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 – 4Too 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.SUBSGabriel Martinelli (Sterling 60) – 8Three 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) – 7Like 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) – 6A 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) – 6Back from injury. Given a run out towards the end to ease him back into first team duties.Jakub Kiwior (Calafiori 90) – 6Introduced late on when the game was won. Not much to do.He said: “Saka has the capacity to change and decide games.“If we want to be at the top, sometimes players have to create those moments and he’s done that again.“What he is doing at his age is unbelievable — and when the team needs him. That’s what defines a top player.”On Havertz, Arteta added: “He wants more. He’s not satisfied. There is still another level from him.“He’s surrounded by incredible players but something has changed in him. You really sense that confidence in him.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Now he’s putting it in games and he’s winning matches, which is great. He’s an attacking midfielder, he’s a nine, you don’t know where he is.“That’s his football brain. His focus is, ‘I’m going to win the game, I’m going do it’.”Meet the Arsenal Wags from Strictly star to a flight attendantTolami Benson – partner of Bukayo SakaBenson and Saka have kept information on their relationship largely quiet.They do not appear on each others Instagram pages but she was seen speaking to Saka at the 2022 World Cup.Helene Spilling – partner of Martin OdegaardA professional dancer from Norway who rose to fame in the country’s version of Strictly Come Dancing, the pair were first spotted together at the Football Awards in March 2023. Sophie Weber – partner of Kai HavertzWeber works as a model and social media influencer and is the most high profile member of the group on online with almost 400,000 followers on Instagram.They are childhood sweethearts having grown up in the same neighbourhood.Milly White – partner of Ben WhiteThe couple got engaged in 2022 before tying the knot officially in May last year. They have matching “I love you tattoos” on their wrists. Milly White works as a model.Laura Trossard Hilven – partner of Leandro TrossardThe pair met in 2014 before getting married in 2019.They have two sons together, Thiago and Amadeo.Lauren Fryer – partner of Declan RiceLauren Fryer and Declan Rice have been together since 2015. She tends to keep a lower profile compared to some of Arsenal’s other Wags but is no less stunning.She sadly deleted all pictures on her Instagram after suffering horrific abuse by vile trolls.Georgina Ramsdale – partner of Aaron RamsdaleGeorgina Ramsdale works as a flight attendant.The couple got married last June after the Arsenal star proposed in 2022. They originally met in 2019. More

LUCAS PAQUETA is expected to face his hearing over alleged spot fixing in March.The West Ham star, 27, was hit with four charges of intentionally being booked by the FA in May after an investigation into irregular betting on Paqueta Island in Brazil.Lucas Paqueta’s hearing over alleged spot fixing is set to take place in MarchCredit: RexOne contentious booking concerns a handball vs BournemouthThis yellow card against Leeds is also being probedPaqueta is alleged to have been intentionally booked in games against Leicester, Aston Villa, Leeds and Bournemouth dating back to November 202.He could face a lifetime ban if found guilty.The Brazil international has also been charged with two counts of failing to comply with the investigation.West Ham are now expecting their star man to face a hearing in March next year, with some frustrated that it will come during the Premier League season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Hammers have given the former Lyon midfielder, who denies wrongdoing, their full backing.However, some feel the charges are impacting his performances.Paqueta endured a poor end to last season and has not improved under new manager Julen Lopetegui – with just one goal so far this season.Lopetegui said recently Paqueta was handling the charges well but that they had not discussed the issue.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe said: “He managed this in a good way, we try to help him because until now he is one player more.”We don’t talk about this, we talk about football. The next match and about life but not about this.”Transfer fees could be SCRAPPED forever after Lassana Diarra wins landmark court case against FifaLopetegui added: “I’m happy with his behaviour and his commitment.“He’s working very hard, he’s trying to understand what we want.“We’re trying to help him to be better and better.“He’s an important player.”The FOUR games Paqueta has been charged forLUCAS PAQUETA has been charged by the FA over four specific games…FIRST INCIDENT – West Ham 0-2 Leicester, 60th minuteThe Brazilian was booked for lunging into Leicester’s Boubakary Soumare from behind.After initially playing the advantage, referee Jarred Gillett eventually pulled it back and brandished the yellow.SECOND INCIDENT – West Ham 1-1 Aston Villa, 70th minute Four months later against Aston Villa Paqueta slid into John McGinn inside the centre circle, completely missing the ball and instead catching his legs.THIRD INCIDENT – West Ham 3-1 Leeds, 65th minuteAt the end of the 2022-23 campaign against Leeds at the London Stadium Paqueta tripped Crysencio Summerville from behind.The foul prevented the visitors from breaking on the counter attack.FOURTH INCIDENT – Bournemouth 1-1 West Ham, 93rd minuteWith just a few minutes remaining on the opening day of the season, Paqueta jumped up for an aerial challenge but instead handled the ball.The referee, who was standing directly in front of him, was quick to brandish the yellow. More

VILLA PARK could be the last-chance saloon for Erik ten Hag on Sunday — just as many felt it once was for Sir Alex Ferguson.Back on Boxing Day 1989, Manchester United left on the end of a 3-0 hammering and Ferguson’s days as manager looked numbered.Erik ten Hag is on the brink ahead of Man Utd’s trip to Aston VillaCredit: RexSir Alex Ferguson almost met his end at Villa ParkCredit: AlamyMan Utd kept faith with Fergie after the defeat, with the Scot going on to make historyCredit: GettyExcept, almost miraculously given the clamour for him to be sacked, Fergie time kicked in and he survived.Steve Bruce, one of those who walked off to Holte End chants of “Fergie, Fergie on the dole!” believes, no matter today’s result, Ten Hag should be shown the same patience.Now Blackpool boss, with two years in charge of Aston Villa on his CV, Bruce said: “Alex got time to turn things around and look what happened next.“The same should go for Ten Hag. Of course fans are desperate for success — but so were they then, too.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“United this summer decided to stick with Erik. They made their decision and should stick to it now because, as we found under Fergie, things can and do turn around. Just give the guy a bit of time.”Whether the club listen is open to question, with Ten Hag’s side — like United were 25 years ago — wallowing in the bottom half of the table.Thursday’s Europa League failure to hold on to a two–goal lead, with Harry Maguire grabbing an equaliser in a 3–3 draw in Porto, only underlined how lost Ten Hag’s team are.It came on the back of a 3–0 thumping at the hands of Spurs and the inability to beat FC Twente and Crystal Palace.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIndeed, some United fans might say Ten Hag should not even get the chance to have a quick drink before getting the boot should his side succumb to Unai Emery’s Villa.Yet 35 years ago it was grim indeed for Ferguson as he left the place.Sir Alex Ferguson, 82, admits dementia fears as legendary Man Utd boss opens up on tragic death of wife CathyNine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages.Two weeks before that debacle there had been a shocking 2–1 home loss to Crystal Palace. And one United fan’s banner read: “Three years of excuses and it’s still c**p. Ta-ra Fergie.”After that Villa loss, Sir Alex kept his players in the dressing room for a 40-minute hairdryer special.Bruce, 63, said: “What took place in that dressing room was normal at the time. The defeat came at the end of two very tough years at the club when nothing seemed to be going right.“The fans were up in arms, the gaffer was under big pressure.“To say things were difficult would be a real understatement. At the time there seemed no way out.”“Three years of excuses and it’s still c**p. Ta-ra Fergie.”United fan’s bannerEx-England full-back Viv Anderson, 68, Ferguson’s first signing after he arrived from Aberdeen in November 1986, also played against Villa in ’89.He said: “The year before, we went to Hartlepool for a pre–season friendly and were 5–0 down at half-time.“Sir Alex was trying to pull a team together, struggling like Ten Hag is now. So there were plenty of rants, yet THAT one really was a bit special.“I remember Paul McGrath saying to him as he screamed in his face, ‘It’s OK, I’m just here, you know gaffer’.“Well, it really kicked off then. The veins were sticking out of his neck as he went for us and, strangely enough, Paul was off to Villa the next season — and played in that 3–0.“Mind you, we did better in the second half against Hartlepool. We only lost that 1–0!”Welsh midfielder Clayton Blackmore, 60, another of the Villa Park culprits, said: “I’ve a good idea how hard it is for Ten Hag and the players as there’s no hiding place at Old Trafford.Steve Bruce admits it felt like the walls were caving in following Villa’s wniCredit: GettyViv Anderson opened up on Fergie’s famous rantsCredit: Action Images“With Sir Alex in his first years it was always a bumpy ride. We were hit and miss, like United are now.“For instance, before we got battered at Villa Park, we left Anfield with a 0–0 draw that everybody — including the gaffer — was pleased about.“It’s how you handle the strain as a player, it’s not just about the manager. Sir Alex often went ballistic back then, even after we were winning.“All we could do was keep trying to believe in ourselves. But those days were hard, just as they are for the current lot. “It’s how you react that counts in the end — whether you pull yourself and your team-mates together that makes or breaks you.”Sir Alex was trying to pull a team together, struggling like Ten Hag is now. So there were plenty of rants, yet THAT one really was a bit special.Viv AndersonUnited had looked broken after that Villa Park defeat. Ian Ormondroyd, 60, one of the stars of that victory, revealed: “Our manager, Graham Taylor, was a good motivator. And he said to us, ‘They’re struggling, they’re a poor team’.“We felt pumped up, went out with our shoulders back and full of confidence.“We believed that we could beat anybody — it’s a very similar situation for Villa ahead of this game.”That Ferguson did survive was still a close-run thing. After Villa, Alan Cork grabbed a last-minute equaliser for Wimbledon at Plough Lane to deny United in a 2–2 draw.Then another miserable performance allowed QPR to leave Old Trafford with a goalless draw.Red Devils fans were by now clamouring for the head of Ferguson — and chairman Martin Edwards was preparing to give it to them.Clayton Blackmore admits it was always a ‘bumpy ride’ under FergieCredit: GettyThe rest is history with Sir Alex going on to win 13 titlesCredit: GettyBut 15 days after Fergie’s 40–minute dressing-room rant, Mark Robins scored to give him a 1–0 FA Cup third-round win at Nottingham Forest.And Bruce added: “The rest, as they say, is history. We went on to win the Cup that season and everything began to change.“The most important thing about that period was that Sir Alex WAS given time — and the same should apply now.“It was six years ago last Tuesday that Villa sacked me and that was a tough time, too.“There was no money in the club. Me and some of the office staff were basically running it on our own.“Now look at them — and I’m delighted for them. Beating Bayern Munich the other night was fantastic.“The way Villa are back shows how fortunes can change in this game.“Things got a whole lot better for Sir Alex and us. They can still get better for Ten Hag, too.”Former Villa full-back Kevin Gage remembers that Boxing Day win — and his goal — with great pride.Ian Olney and David Platt also netted that day for the hosts.And Gage, 60, said: “It does seem amazing Fergie might well have been on the brink after this game and yet went on to win 13 top-flight titles.“You could never have imagined it after this defeat.”Taylor’s reputation was tarnished — in many ways unfairly — by his disastrous spell as England manager.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Taylor, who sadly died in 2017, aged 72, was arguably at the peak of his powers that season  before taking the Three Lions job  in 1990.Ormondroyd said: “He got slaughtered because of the TV documentary but he was the best manager I had. Graham was just tactically brilliant.”Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Emery may well deliver the coup de grace to Ten Hag on Sunday — especially with Bruno Fernandes suspended and Kobbie Mainoo an injury doubt.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would be a popular and gettable option but, despite being a fine coach and a very engaging man, he is considered something of a loose cannon.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part. More

MACKEM Jordan Pickford ruined Anthony Gordon’s return to Everton and denied Newcastle three points.With strikers Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson injured, it fell to the winger, 23, to lead the Toon’s line and run the gauntlet of hate that awaited him on his old stomping ground.Anthony Gordon’s penalty was saved by Jordan PickfordCredit: ReutersThe former Toffees man was denied by his England team-mateCredit: AFPEverton’s players celebrated wildly after Pickford’s save from 12 yardsCredit: ReutersThe spot kick came after Abdoulaye Doucoure had a goal disallowed by VAR for offsideCredit: PAGordon was heavily involved in the game but will be remembered for his penalty missAnd Gordon had the perfect opportunity to make what will likely be his last visit to Goodison a memorable one – only for the ex-Sunderland goalkeeper to spoil it.Pickford rescued the Blues by saving his old team-mate’s penalty to ensure he had a miserable Merseyside night at the club he left for St. James’ Park in January 2023.Things had already started when Jarrad Branthwaite, who celebrated his maiden appearance of the season by helping Everton to their first victory last week, was ruled out with a quad problem.Michael Keane stepped in, but the veteran looked nervy, escaping an early yellow for a foul on Sandro Tonali and then almost messing up with a backpass as the alert Pickford spared his blushes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThen it was his team-mate Iliman Ndiaye that came to the rescue for the Toffees – even though the Senegal attacker knew little about it.A corner was flicked on by Tonali to Bruno Guimaraes at the back and his attempt beat Pickford and was heading straight for the net, only to somehow get stuck under Ndiaye’s feet on the line and eventually knocked wide.He became even more popular with the Gwladys Street faithful when he, and then Abdoulaye Doucoure, extended the hot reception for Gordon by leaving him floored.That got the crowd going as Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has scored more goals [six] against Newcastle than any other team, retaliated with a surge and shot straight at Nick Pope.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGoodison roared when Doucoure met James Garner’s cross to head home, only for those celebrations to be cut-short due to an offside.And it was the intervention of VAR that spotted James Tarkowski ridiculously haul down Tonali as Jacob Murphy shot high and wide from distance following a corner.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersThe air turned blue once referee Craig Pawson awarded a penalty following a pitchside monitor check, and the temperature got even hotter once they realised who would be taking it.Gordon, who scored the equaliser from the spot against Man City a week ago, bravely stepped up.But the roof came off the famous old ground when Pickford guessed right and saved it with his knees, his first spot-kick stop in nine attempts, as Doucoure celebrated wildly in front of the crestfallen Newcastle man.The Magpies, and Gordon, reacted well to that setback and started the second period on top, only this time Tarkowski bravely blocked Tonali’s effort after the Italian met a Joelinton knockdown.Gordon created the next opportunity, which saw Guimaraes blaze over, as the visitors continued to press forward in search of a breakthrough.Pickford reacted well to knock Miguel Almiron’s deflected cross round the post but soon the tide began to turn after screams for an Everton penalty.Calvert-Lewin was denied by an excellent stop from Nick Pope after Tonali gave away possession, but he was judged to have kicked the back of Dan Burn’s leg as he tumbled when trying to get the rebound.READ MORE SUN STORIESMiguel Almiron hit the side-netting as Toon regained control and then Gordon had one last chance to ram the jeers down the throats of the locals, but he poorly smashed high and wide.Almiron’s abject finish straight at Pickford and Jolinton’s wild effort from distance summed up Newcastle’s day as Everton held on to a first clean sheet of the season. More

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.Mikel Arteta heaped praise on two of his attacking playersCredit: ReutersBukayo Saka was the key man yet again for ArsenalCredit: GettyKai 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.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe 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.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSKai Havertz scored for a seventh home game in a rowCredit: GettyArsenal ratings vs Southampton: Saka saves nervy Gunners with Jesus low on confidenceARSENAL 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 – 6A spectator for most of the game. Could do anything to keep out Cameron Archer’s curling opener.Thomas Partey – 6Swapped 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 – 6Dependable 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 – 6Spent 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 – 5Given 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 – 6Inches 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 – 6His 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  – 7A 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 – 9A 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 – 8Proved 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 – 4Too 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.SUBSGabriel Martinelli (Sterling 60) – 8Three 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) – 7Like 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) – 6A 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) – 6Back from injury. Given a run out towards the end to ease him back into first team duties.Jakub Kiwior (Calafiori 90) – 6Introduced 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.I’m mum of an Arsenal star – I have a side hustle to help parents of Premier League footballers “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.” More