Southampton 3 Arsenal 2

Last updated : 23 November 2002 By Footymad Previewer

Champions Arsenal suffered another serious setback when Southampton came from behind to maintain their unbeaten home record. Arsenal had England defender Sol Campbell sent-off in the 56th minute for a foul on Agustin Delgado, but they can have no complaints about the result.

After an indifferent first 35 minutes Arsenal took the lead with a superb finish on the edge of the area from Dennis Bergkamp. But Southampton equalised in first half injury time when James Beattie smashed home a right foot free-kick from 25 yards.

Antti Niemi made a superb double save from Patrick Vieira in the 50th minute, but the turning point came six minutes later when Delgado dispossessed Pascal Cygan and raced towards goal.

Just as he prepared to shoot he was brought down by Campbell, who was shown a straight red card by referee Paul Durkin. Beattie made no mistake from the spot to record his eighth Premiership goal in six matches.

Delgado marked his first Premiership start of the season by turning in a Fabrice Fernandes free-kick in the 66th minute.

Saints should have had more with Rory Delap heading wide from close range and David Seaman making a important save to deny Beattie his hat-trick.

Just when it seemed Southampton would stroll to victory, substitute Robert Pires pulled a goal back at the second attempt from a corner by Thierry Henry, but it was too little too late.

Arsenal's frustration showed when Vieira was booked in injury time, to add to the yellow card shown to Ashley Cole, also for a foul.

Niemi made a fine save from Henry and Vieira failed to take advantage of another opening, but there was no way back for Arsenal