Arsenal, on Saturday, failed to take the opportunity to close the top-four gap as Jan Bednarek’s first-half goal plus an inspired display from goalkeeper Fraser Forster gave Southampton a 1-0 victory.

The Gunners knew a victory would move them level on points with rivals Tottenham, who lost 1-0 at home to Brighton earlier in the day, but they could not find a way past Forster and instead suffered their third consecutive defeat.

Bednarek gave Southampton the lead a minute before half-time after the Saints ‘keeper had brilliantly denied Bukayo Saka from scoring early on.

The 34-year-old then made a string of fine saves in the second half, with Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette missing after testing positive for COVID-19, to give the hosts their first victory in six matches.

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Gabriel Martinelli forced the first save from Forster in the ninth minute when he cut in from the right and sent a bending shot towards the far corner which the goalkeeper parried away.

But Forster’s best stop – and perhaps of the season – came from a Southampton mistake inside their own half.

Yan Valery telegraphed his pass into Lyanco allowing Eddie Nketiah to intercept and he moved the ball out to Martinelli, who crossed for Saka but his close-range effort was wonderfully pushed behind by the right hand of Forster.

Arsenal have won just four points from losing positions this season – only Wolves (3) have taken fewer.

The Star