adminLONDON. – Premier League leaders Arsenal dropped points for only the second time this season as Stuart Armstrong’s second-half equaliser earned Southampton a hard-earned point in a 1-1 draw at St Mary’s.
Armstrong finished off a flowing team move involving Adam Armstrong and Mohamed Elyounoussi to stretch Saints’ unbeaten league run to three matches.
Granit Xhaka had given the Gunners an early lead with his second goal in as many games, sweeping the ball first time into the roof of the net from Ben White’s low delivery.
The effervescent Gabriel Martinelli had a shot deflected wide and Gabriel Jesus was denied by Southampton goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu as the visitors threatened to double their advantage before the interval.
Ralph Hasenhuttl’s team improved in the second half but needed a superb last-ditch challenge from Elyounoussi to deny Jesus, who had broken clear of the Southampton defence.
Martin Odegaard thought he had put Arsenal back ahead not long after Armstrong’s equaliser, but the Norwegian’s effort was disallowed after the ball had gone out of play in the build-up.
Aston Villa made the perfect start to life after Steven Gerrard as they beat Brentford 4-0 at a buoyant Villa Park to record only their third win of the season.
Ex-Liverpool captain Gerrard was sacked on Thursday following a heavy defeat at Fulham, with first team coach Aaron Danks taking charge of Sunday’s game.
And Danks enjoyed an incredible debut in the dugout as Villa found themselves 3-0 up inside 15 minutes.
Leon Bailey got the ball rolling when he swept in from Douglas Luiz’s pass following a smart corner routine in the second minute.
Danny Ings made it 2-0 five minutes later when he stabbed in from Bailey’s cross before the striker got his second of the game in the 14th minute, converting a penalty after Tyrone Mings had been fouled.
Leeds boss Jesse Marsch faces an uncertain future after Fulham came from behind to claim a 3-2 win at Elland Road that leaves the Whites in in the Premier League bottom three and without a win in eight games.
Second-half goals from Bobby Decordova-Reid and Willian sealed the game for the Cottagers – the former steering a header before the latter scored from close range to provoke mutiny among the home crowd.
The last 10 minutes were played out to the sound of chants against Marsch and the club’s board with the final whistle greeted by boos from around the ground.
Ruthless Leicester picked up their first away Premier League win of the season as they beat Wolves 4-0 to move off the bottom of the table and out of the relegation zone.
Youri Tielemans put the Foxes ahead with a stunning 22-yard strike, which flew past Jose Sa and went in off the post. – BBC Sport
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter