Things didn't improve much after the break and it was Southampton who were able to get their noses in front through Cameron Archer on the counter attack. This seemed to wake Arsenal up and minutes later they were level when Kai Havertz seized on Bukayo Saka's through ball to grab the equaliser.
The Gunners then completed the turnaround as Gabriel Martinelli stayed just onside to tap home Saka's superb cross. The game was by no means over then and Saints hit the bar through Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
With minutes remaining of the game though Saka popped up to steer home the rebound from a Leandro Trossard effort and make the game safe. Here's how football.london ratted the Arsenal players individually in the game.
David Raya: Just like last week he had almost nothing to do except pick the ball out of the net. Unlucky with a slight deflection on Archer's shot. 6.
Thomas Partey: The Ghanaian did little wrong on the day. Two efforts from the edge of the area nearly went in. Arsenal lose something with him in the right-back position though. Was caught out a little on the goal too. 6.
William Saliba: Could have done more to stop Archer from coming back inside on to his right for the goal. Was solid enough aside from that. 6.
Gabriel: Was taking pot shots from 40 yards at 35 minutes - a sign of Arsenal's early frustration. Did his defensive work diligently for the most part though. 6.
Riccardo Calafiori: Really good going forward as he occupied spaces that Southampton struggled to deal with. A little overzealous in the tackle at times though and maybe lucky to get way without a booking. 7.
Jorginho: Dictated play solidly enough from deep and went close from the edge of the box. Couldn't provide the protection Arsenal needed on the counter though. 6.
Declan Rice: Showed the versatility he possesses to play left eight and number six once again. Not as much of an attacking threat as he would have liked to be though. 6.
Bukayo Saka: When Arsenal needed a hero, Saka stepped up yet again. A superb assist for Havertz and then his cross to Martintelli at the back post was even better. One of the most dependable players in this Arsenal side right now. 9.
Raheem Sterling: Did OK on his first Premier League start for Arsenal. Looked a threat down the left even if he held on to the ball a little long at times. A good option for Arsenal going forward now. 7.
Kai Havertz: A brilliantly taken goal. The kind of clinical finish that the best centre-forwards make a habit of. Keeps up his record of scoring in every Emirates game he's played this season. 8.
Gabriel Jesus: Given the chance to impress up top and struggled to really grab it. Movement in the box did not trouble Southampton and didn't manage an effort on target in the game. Looks a little low on confidence right now. 5.
SUBSTITUTES -
Gabriel Martinelli: Can we officially say he's back? A really good finish to Bukayo Saka's cross - the kind he made a habit of when he was in top form. 8.
Leandro Trossard: Buzzed around early on after coming off the bench. Was little quieter once Arsenal got in front. A surprise not to see him start. 6.
Mikel Merino: Made his long-awaited Premier League debut. Solid enough out of possession. Got forward to try and be a threat in the box. 6.
Takehiro Tomiyasu: Came on too late for a rating. n/a.
Jakub Kiwior: Came on too late for a rating. n/a.
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