Mikel Arteta very impressed with Arsenal star against Southampton | OneFootball

Arsenal continued their winning run with a 3-1 Premier League victory over Southampton yesterday.

The Gunners went into the game as clear favourites to pick up three points, but they were unable to break the deadlock despite 14 attempts on goal before the break.

The Saints opened the scoring in the 55th minute, but Arsenal recovered from the deficit to register a comfortable 3-1 triumph.

Kai Havertz led the comeback by netting the equaliser with a powerful effort from the edge of the box.

The German also played a big part in the third goal, providing a key pass to Leandro Trossard. The Belgian’s deflected shot fell into the path of Bukayo Saka, who completed the scoring.

Manager Mikel Arteta praised Havertz after the game.

He told Arsenal.com: “You can tell [his confidence has grown], he takes the ball and he runs with the ball. He’s on high press, he goes full gas, the way he holds the ball, the position he takes in the box.

“He’s an attacking midfielder, he plays as a nine, you don’t know where he is, that’s his football brain. His focus now is ‘I’m going to win the game, I’m going to do it’, and that’s a different thing.”

The 25-year-old has now bagged six goals and an assist this term. He has netted in each of his last seven outings at the Emirates Stadium, which is a joint-record shared with Robin van Persie.

Havertz has turned into the ideal number nine for the Gunners, and it was surprising that Arteta started him in midfield yesterday, with Gabriel Jesus leading the attack.

The decision did not prove worthwhile. Havertz was pushed into the striker’s role after the Saints opener, and it paid dividends, as he bagged a crucial goal in the comeback win.

Havertz also won seven ground and aerial duels yesterday. The club’s faithful will be hoping that he can continue his bright form following the international break.

Stats from Sofascore.com & Squawka.com.