Intricate stuff from Lacazette and Kolasinac down the left, with the latter trying to fashion a cross/shot from a tight angle.

Did that hit a Saints hand? Bobby Madley not interested and signals for an Arsenal corner instead.

Granit Xhaka hang a optimistic ball up towards Alexis Sanchez, but the Chilean does really well to hold off his man and gain half a yard.

No chance for the shot, so he settles for feeding Aaron Ramsey, but again he's smothered by Southampton shirts.

Southampton enjoy a spell in possession to release the pressure but Redmond's cross is wayward and Cech can gather.

Arsenal back on the ball and pinning the hosts deep in their half once more.

Saints do still have plenty of menace on the break, mainly through Nathan Redmond.

He finds himself clear, 25 yards out, but his low strike is gathered easily by Petr Cech.

Image source, Reuters

Finally Arsenal find an attacker in space as Kolasinac streaks down the left, but that's a fantastic tackle by Ward-Prowse in the area, timing it perfectly to nip the ball away cleanly.

That's the level of concentration Saints will need to keep up all afternoon.

Sead Kolasinac has started the second half effectively playing as a left winger, exchanging passes with Aaron Ramsey and Alexandre Lacazette, but his final cross comes to nothing.

Arsenal really struggling to get the ball to Lacazette in space, with the Saints central three doing a terrific spoiling job so far.

Image source, PA

Stuart Chaplin: Are you watching Gareth Southgate? Time to drop Hart and give Fraser Forster the England place he deserves for fighting back into form. And Charlie Austin should be in the squad ahead of players who don't play and don't score.

Kunjan Punatar: Sanchez losing the ball too often. Can't wait to sell him this January.

Nic Lewis: Mertesacker is so obviously past it. Don't understand how he's still starting in the league.

Arsenal swing it left, right, left, right again but Saints equal to it so far, Ryan Bertrand nipping in when Alexis Sanchez can't quite bring the ball under control.

Nathan Redmond loses out and Mesut Ozil comes forward, finding Aaron Ramsey but it's all too crowded in the Saints area as the hosts clear.

Southampton are sitting very deep to start this half, letting Arsenal have all the ball before looking to strike on the counter. Could be a very long 45 minutes for the hosts.

Aaron Ramsey does well to nip the ball off Charlie Austin and feed Alexandre Lacazette.

He flicks it onto Alexis Sanchez but the Chilean's attempt to find a surging Aaron Ramsey is cut out.

Rain still falling steadily in Southampton.

No changes at the interval for either side.

Saints kick the second half off.

Right, the players are back out on the pitch at St Mary's and we'll be underway shortly.

Kier: Seems like Saints have listened to Pep's advice, they're looking dangerous every time they go forward. Arsenal's lack of concentration lets them down again.

Richard: The lack of desire and effort from Arsenal players is simply disrespectful to the club and fans. Unfortunately it's happened far too often this season in between moments of brilliance (which makes it more frustrating). Time to start earning your pay cheques.

David Williams: Where is Theo Walcott? Please get a transfer in January. Wasting your talent. Should be playing in either side.

A shot of Jack Wilshere, underneath several layers, warming up on the St Mary's pitch at half-time.

Safe to say plenty of Arsenal fans would rather he'd started this game.

Agree? Let us know on #bbcfootball or text 81111 (UK only).

And keep your tales of how and where you're watching today's derbies coming too.

Mark Lawrenson
Former Liverpool defender on BBC Two

The build-up has been interesting. Sam Allardyce will turn up with a plan, and it will be whether Liverpool's front four maintain that form. They have been absolutely brilliant. Liverpool are the best team in the league over the last few games. They are rampaging.

They are every neutral's favourite team - but they won't catch Manchester City.

It would suit Everton to be a scrappy game. Everton came here last year and were lucky to get nil but you know Sam will have something up his sleeve. They will be combative, that's how his teams can play.

Liverpool won't have time and space to knock the ball about.

Great ball skills outside Anfield as the clock ticks down to kick-off.

Team news coming up around 13:15 GMT.

Image source, Reuters

Andrew Cole
Former Manchester United striker on MOTD2 Extra

Salah and Mane want the ball quickly to punish the defences, if you get an extra touch in midfield it slows it down. Jordan Henderson sometimes takes that extra touch, I can see where the critics are coming from.

Shay Given
Ex-Newcastle goalkeeper on MOTD2 Extra

Looking at the game today Everton have to sit deep, so someone like Ademola Lookman could be a great option for them on the break.

But it's going to be tough the way Liverpool are playing; they are fantastic going forward.

If Everton get anything from this then it's going to be a good result for them.

Saints v Arsenal should be back underway at about 13:00, hopefully a belting second half in store.

After that, of course, we'll bring you the Merseyside and Manchester derbies, starting with Liverpool v Everton at 14:15...

Chris Sutton
Ex-Chelsea striker on BBC Radio 5 live

Arsenal have huffed and puffed and come back into it after Southampton's fine start. They finished the stronger in that half but now Southampton look a threat on the break.