Arsenal stumble at Southampton, Villa soar after Gerrard sacking

Arsenal were punished when Stuart Armstrong produced a composed finish to level 25 minutes from time

Arsenal dropped points for just the second time this season in a frustrating 1-1 draw for the Gunners at Southampton as Aston Villa responded to the sacking of Steven Gerrard with a 4-0 thumping of Brentford.

Mikel Arteta's men looked set to move four points clear at the top of the table when Granit Xhaka continued his fine form by smashing home the opening goal at St. Mary's after just 11 minutes.

The visitors dominated the first half but failed to add to their advantage with Gabriel Jesus guilty of missing big chances on either side of the break.

Arsenal were punished when Stuart Armstrong produced a composed finish to level 25 minutes from time.

Martin Odegaard smashed home as the league leaders pushed for a winner, but the goal was ruled out as the ball had already gone out of play prior to Kieran Tierney's cross.

A draw means leaves Arsenal just two points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table.

Former Liverpool captain Gerrard was the fall guy for Villa winning just two of their opening 11 league games with a 3-0 defeat at Fulham on Thursday the final straw.