Alexis Sanchez's free-kick is slightly over-hit to the back post and Saints get it clear.

Bobby Madley blows his whistle and that's half-time. Saints deservedly in front after another calamitous start from Arsenal, who once again have to fight their way back into the game.

Image source, Reuters

Into one minute of added time and Arsenal have a last chance to level with a free-kick just inside Saints' half.

Hmm, replays of that earlier Alexandre Lacazette chance where he spooned the shot over the bar show that Maya Yoshida clattered the striker after the ball had gone.

No appeal for a penalty from the Frenchman though.

Image source, Getty Images

The hosts again on the attack at a retreating Arsenal defence - appeals for a handball by Per Mertesacker to break down the attack.

It did hit his arm but the German was running in the opposite direction and not even looking at the ball and referee Bobby Madley duly plays on.

Shades of the opening to this game, as Charlie Austin is again finding space along the Arsenal back line.

He's played through on goal with Arsenal caught flat-footed, but there is just too much on the pass and Petr Cech gets there first. Just.

Charlie Austin sprints and keeps in a loose pass in space down the left, his cross is aimed toward James Ward-Prowse at the back post but Arsenal get back to head clear.

Slightly nervy moments from Laurent Koscielny and Petr Cech, before the latter finally does come to gather a loose ball in the box, with Charlie Austin lurking.

Petr Cech comes flying out of his goal to head away a Saints ball over the top - odd but effective as Arsenal come forward.

Lacazette finally finds a good position in the box but his first-time strike flies high over the bar.

Image source, Reuters

Saints continue to mark the Arsenal attackers closely, preventing the visitors from getting anything going through the middle.

Alexandre Lacazette is being forced to drop deep and there is no one running in behind him.

Kyle: Terrible start from Arsenal. Every time Saints come forward they look like scoring.

IIan: What a save by Forster! Now that Hart can't get a game for West Ham, is this his chance to prove himself as the first choice for England next summer?

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg strokes it out to Ryan Betrand on the left, but again it's Hector Bellerin in the way to clear.

Saints start to pin Arsenal back now. They looked to just be hanging on for half-time - can they now push for a second?

Alexis Sanchez tries to clip it over the top to Hector Bellerin running in behind but Ryan Bertrand does just enough to get a touch on it.

Delicious cross-field pass from James Ward-Prowse sets Saints on their way, as Nathan Redmond now finds Bertrand down the left.

But Bellerin returns the favour, good defending from the Spaniard to deny the England left wing-back.

Image source, Getty Images

Mesut Ozil drives at the Saints defence and clips it out to Hector Bellerin.

Bellerin's ball across is awkward for Alexandre Lacazette, who can't work it away to the lurking Alexis Sanchez and the chance is gone.

Chris Sutton
Ex-Chelsea striker on BBC Radio 5 live

A crucial save. Arsenal were sloppy at the start of the game but they are pinning Saints back now. Southampton are just hoping to get in to half-time now.

Saints clear the corner but Arsenal work it back into the area and Aaron Ramsey cracks a powerful, low shot that Fraser Forster keep out superbly, diving low to his left.

The game is a lot more open now.

Image source, Reuters

Redmond has indeed looked worthy of Guardiola's praise today - that is until he stuffs up a counter-attack by mis-hitting a square ball. He's still in credit mind.

Arsenal go up the other end and win another corner.

Sean: When will Wenger realise Ramsey and Xhaka cannot be our starting central midfield. This game is screaming out for Wilshere.

Will Nicholls: Charlie Austin making a late push for a World Cup spot? He’s better than some of the players who get called up to the England squad, so why not?

Gareth Miller: With the way Redmond is playing I get why Pep would take the time to scream at him how good he is.

Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil thread a few passes to each other in and around the Saints area but they've overplayed it and Oriol Romeu is able to block Sanchez's cross and clear.

Arsenal come again but once again it's Romeu blocking and clearing a Sanchez cross from the right.

Image source, Getty Images

Ryan Bertrand's corner finally finds its way out to James Ward-Prowse over on the left as he keeps it alive and swings it back in.

Oh! Bertrand was running in unmarked at the back post and his header back across it almost turned into his own net by Granit Xhaka but Petr Cech dives down in time to save.

Image source, Reuters

Oooft, lovely swerve on the free-kick from James Ward-Prowse, right at Petr Cech and the Arsenal keeper has to punch it over the top.

Another punch from Cech clears the corner but Saints keep it alive and win another corner on the other side.