Martin Odegaard’s target sparked Arsenal’s revival and Bukayo Saka snatched the equaliser in stoppage-time.
However, in spite of the exciting get away, Arteta completed together with his head in fingers for the reason that Gunners will commute to 2nd positioned Manchester Town on Wednesday realizing it’s Pep Guardiola’s group who regulate the future of the identify.
Arsenal are 5 issues transparent of Town, however the champions have two video games in hand because of their involvement within the FA Cup semi-finals towards Sheffield United on Saturday.
If Town win or draw towards Arsenal after which win their ultimate suits, they are going to be topped champions it doesn’t matter what the north Londoners do.
After blowing successive two-goal leads in harmful 2-2 attracts towards West Ham and Liverpool of their earlier two suits, Arsenal no less than confirmed super spirit to opposite the fashion.
“Clearly unsatisfied with the outcome. We made it very tricky once more for ourselves,” Arteta mentioned.
“If you happen to concede 3 like we did in a sloppy manner it is rather tricky to win, however the best way we reacted I like my avid gamers greater than ever.
“This younger group reacts in some way this is implausible, when it’s towards the chances.”
Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale had passed Southampton’s Carlos Alcaraz the hole target after simply 27 seconds.
In a painful twist, it was once former Gunners ahead Theo Walcott who doubled backside of the desk Southampton’s lead.
Gabriel Martinelli pulled one again for Arsenal prior to Duje Caleta-Automotive’s headed Southampton’s 3rd.
Odegaard and Saka ensured Arsenal have shyed away from a primary defeat in 10 league video games.
However Town’s six successive league wins put Arsenal beneath intense drive and Arteta’s younger group are in peril of crumbling until they are able to win their do-or-die showdown on the Etihad Stadium.
“It’s not a last as a result of there are nonetheless six video games to head,” Arteta mentioned.
“We’re down however they’re extra prepared than anyone to win it. You’ll be able to see that spirit within the dressing room however it’s transparent we need to do higher defensively.”
Arsenal’s identify hopefuls had the fortify of the remaining Gunners team to raise the trophy in 2004 as Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry and Sol Campbell joined the gang on the Emirates.
However even the presence of that iconic trio couldn’t encourage them because the nerves tormenting Arteta’s group had been laid naked by way of Ramsdale’s astonishing blunder within the first minute.
Taking ownership within his personal house, Ramsdale performed a suicidal go in opposition to Thomas Partey that totally neglected the midfielder at the fringe of the world.
Alcaraz gleefully authorised the present as he smashed his shot previous the uncovered Ramsdale.
The nervousness pulsing via Arsenal, each at the pitch and within the stands, was once palpable and Southampton struck once more after any other calamitous error from the hosts within the 14th minute.
Partey gave the ball away to Alcaraz and his elegant go stuck Gabriel Magalhaes out of place, permitting Walcott to surge into the world and slot previous Ramsdale with unerring precision.
Arsenal lowered the deficit within the twentieth minute when Saka powered down the correct flank and pulled his pass again in opposition to Martinelli, who caressed a effective volley previous Gavin Bazunu from 10 yards.
However Caleta-Automotive regarded to have delivered the hammer blow within the 66th minute when he headed house from James Ward-Prowse’s nook.
To their immense credit score, Arsenal refused to give up and Odegaard beat Bazunu with a excellent roller from the threshold of the world within the 88th minute.
Pouring ahead in waves, Arsenal scented a outstanding get away and Saka poached the equaliser within the ninetieth minute with a medical end after Reiss Nelson’s shot was once driven out by way of Bazunu.
Arsenal may have stolen the victory when Leandro Trossard fired towards the bar to depart their identify hopes striking by way of a slim thread.