Southampton v Arsenal ratings: Forster 10, Bednarek 8; Soares 4, Saka 6

Arteta's team's hopes of Champions League qualification suffer setback after 1-0 defeat

SOUTHAMPTON RATINGS: Forster 10 – Single-handedly kept Arsenal at bay. He made two sensational stops in the first 20 minutes, first low to his right to deny Martinelli, and then high to his right to keep out Saka. In the second half, keep out Xhaka, Nketiah and Saka. Sensational. Getty

Yan Valery 6 – Made a superb block when he took a shot from Nketiah into the midriff shortly after the break. Was guilty of some hurried clearances, and was sometimes caught on the ball. Getty

Jan Bednarek 8 – Scored the only goal of the game when he found himself in the right place at the right time to lash home from close range. He also won all his battles and a made a series of interceptions and clearances. Getty

Kyle Walker-Peters 6 – His speed was a good counter to the threat of Saka and Martinelli. Though Arsenal’s attacking duo looked dangerous in the first 20 minutes, Walker-Peters did well thereafter. Getty

Oriol Romeu 6 – Having struggled against Chelsea a week earlier, Romeu worked tirelessly to keep possession better, and he certainly got the better of Arsenal’s weak midfield. Getty

James Ward-Prowse 6 – There is more to the England midfielder than set pieces, but his corners were a constant menace. AFP

Romain Perraud 7 – Had a speculative effort from 20 yards which was blocked for a Saints corner. On the whole, though, Southampton look more comfortable and composed with the Frenchman on the left. PA

Stuart Armstrong 8 – Received a standing ovation when he left the field and deservedly so, for he worked tirelessly in attack. He was all over the pitch completing his defensive duties. Getty

Mohamed Elyounoussi 7 – Did well to keep the ball in play for the opening goal. He didn’t give up on a ball that seemed destined to creep over the goal line, and his pull back found Bednarek, who scored. Led a late breakaway but wasted possession. AP

Armando Broja 7 – Teased the Arsenal defence in the opening stages, getting the better of Ben White. Always a threat on the ball. Getty

ARSENAL RATINGS: Aaron Ramsdale 5 – Ramsdale had little to do until he picked the ball out of his net. He managed to get a hand to Bednarek’s effort, but there was simply too much power. Reuters

Ben White 5 – The central defender was sluggish in possession and he found Broja a handful at times. Getty

Gabriel Magalhaes 6 – Was guilty of playing the Saints forward line onside for the goal, but he was one of Arsenal’s better players, breaking the lines with his passing. Getty

Bukayo Saka 6 – Had a glorious chance to give Arsenal the lead but his effort – with the goal at his mercy – was tipped over the bar by Forster. Was a constant danger, but couldn’t find a way past Forster. Getty

Martin Odegaard 5 – The skipper failed to create much in the final third, though he saw an effort from the area well saved late on. Getty

Cedric Soares 4 – A poor display from the former Saints man, who was particularly wasteful from set pieces. AP

Nuno Tavares 4 – Taken off for Nicolas Pepe in the second half, he started well but lost his way as the game went on. Getty

Albert Sambi Lokonga 4 – Lost possession on numerous occasions and was guilty of slowing the play when he brought the ball out from deep positions. Getty

Eddie Nketiah 6 – Worked hard in leading the line but had to wait until late on for his first effort on goal, which was thwarted by Forster. AFP

Granit Xhaka 5 – Xhaka played much better when he was given more freedom to roam forward in the second half. He had an effort from range which troubled Forster, but not enough to catch him out. PA

Gabriel Martinelli 6 – Despite starting on an unfamiliar right-hand side he always looked a threat. He bookended Arsenal’s performance with chances at the beginning and end of the game. Reuters

SUBS: Emile Smith-Rowe (Soares, 60) 6 – Though he brought a greater sense of urgency to Arsenal’s attack, he couldn’t fashion an equaliser for his side. Reuters

Nicolas Pepe (Tavares, 70) N/A – The Frenchman’s lively cameo will have had Gunners fans scratching their heads as to why he didn’t start. PA

Arsenal’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League suffered another setback after they lost to Southampton 1-0 on Saturday.

Tottenham’s defeat to Brighton on Saturday offered the Gunners the chance to move level on points with their fourth-placed north London rivals.

However Mikel Arteta’s men blew a major opportunity to capitalise on Saturday as Jan Bednarek’s strike on the stroke of half-time condemned them to a fourth defeat in five games.

Arteta admitted Arsenal's players were dejected.

"They are really down today and they are down because they cannot find the right answer - apart from what we can do better around the box - not to win that match," Arteta said of his squad.

"And that's the frustration. When somebody's better, you shake their hands and you have to be critical with yourself.

"But, apart from 25 minutes against Palace and some periods against Brighton in the first half, it's very difficult to explain and accept."

Player ratings from the match can be seen in the picture gallery above. To view the next image, click on the arrows or swipe if on a mobile device.