3 takeaways from Arsenal's 3-1 win over Southampton in the Premier League

Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, and Bukayo Saka all scored to cancel out Cameron Archer's surprise opener and help Arsenal beat a plucky Southampton side 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

A tough day became an exercise in resilience for Arsenal against newly-promoted visitors who tested a growing vulnerability at the back. Fortunately, any issues with Arsenal's defending were mitigated by some direct and stylish brilliance in attack.

As usual, Saka provided the inspiration by supplying two assists to settle the nerves, before wrapping up the scoring in injury time. His combination play with a bullish Havertz, who's feeding a growing appetite for goals, gradually overwhelmed the Saints.

So did a timely reminder of why Martinelli is still one of the core talents in Mikel Arteta's squad.

3 takeways from Arsenal's 3-1 victory vs. Southampton

1. Kai Havertz is maturing as a finisher

Gabriel Jesus is no longer Arsenal's striker of choice because Havertz is getting better and better each week. Jesus started, but he couldn't make a dent, and Arsenal still only clicked into gear in the final third whenever Havertz was up top.

A smartly taken equaliser just before the hour mark against the Saints not only added to the opportunistic header Havertz netted against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League. It also showed just how far Havertz has developed as a finisher.

One quick and neat first touch controlled Bukayo Saka's pass. Havertz then bent a powerful shot around the defender and well out of Aaron Ramsdale's reach.

This was clinical and decisive stuff from Arteta's most trusted option up top. Getting the big calls right has been crucial for the momentum Arsenal have established under Arteta in recent seasons, and the manager trusting Havertz to lead the line is a gamble that's paying off handsomely.

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