Southampton came from behind to hold Arsenal in a 1-1 stalemate at St Mary’s as the Gunners missed the chance to move four points clear at the top.
Mikel Arteta’s side needed a win to sit comfortably at the top after Man City’s 3-1 victory over Brighton on Saturday but they drew instead as Granit Xhaka’s strike was canceled out by Stuart Armstrong’s fine finish.
The Gunners got to a flying start when Xhaka pounced home from a Ben White’ cross to open the scoring just after 11 minutes of proceedings.
The early goal lead obviously gave Arsenal the momentum and the impetus to go for the kill but their dominance in the first half did not transfer into a greater threat in front of goal.
No wonder they were made to pay for their undoings after the resumption when Armstrong’s well composed finish drew the Saints level on the 65th minute.
The results has left Arsenal with only two points lead at the Premier League summit.