Goals either side of the break from Olivier Giroud secured a 2-0 victory for Arsenal over Southampton at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon.
The Frenchman profited from an error by goalkeeper Artur Boruc to break the deadlock, before going on to score a penalty in the closing stages after Jose Fonte had fouled Per Mertesacker.
Below, Sports Mole has looked back over the 90 minutes to determine if the result was a fair one.
Match statistics:
Arsenal:
Shots 8
On target 4
Possession 49%
Corners 5
Fouls 10
Southampton:
Shots 10
On target 4
Possession 51%
Corners 6
Fouls 14
Was the result fair?
Both sides were below par when you consider some of the performances that they have produced this term, but Arsenal edged it and deservedly so. They created the better chances and were solid in defence, while the visiting Saints were seemingly in a giving mood. They made a couple of major errors and consequently will travel back to the South Coast having lost for only the second time this season.
Arsenal's performance
Whisper it, but it was the type of performance that wins teams titles. The Gunners were by no means fluent and were presented their goals on a plate by Southampton, but the three points are all that matter. Manager Arsene Wenger will know that his side are capable of playing much better when in possession of the ball, but he will no doubt be delighted with a clean sheet and the way that his players bounced back after the disappointment of losing to Manchester United last time out.
Southampton's performance
Quite simply, you cannot visit the side that is top of the Premier League, commit two big errors and expect to get away with it. Even without the mistakes, boss Mauricio Pochettino is bound to be disappointed by his side. They did not defend too badly, but they produced very few problems to the Arsenal rearguard. There was the odd opportunity, but nowhere near enough to gain a share of the spoils.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Kieran Gibbs: It may seem strange to ignore Giroud, particularly when you consider that it was his goals that won Arsenal the match. Gibbs, though, was involved throughout the 90 minutes, despite being a left-back. He dealt with the threat of Adam Lallana well and up the other end he sent in numerous crosses, which Arsenal should have benefited more from. If he keeps playing like that, then he could well force his way into Roy Hodgson's thinking for next year's World Cup, despite the presence of Ashley Cole and Leighton Baines.
Biggest gaffe
Not even a contest! Boruc not only committed the biggest gaffe of the game, it will arguably be the most memorable howler of the campaign. He had so much time to deal with the back-pass, but as Giroud encroached on him, he decided to try to take on the Arsenal frontman. Once he started to write that script, there was only ever going to be one outcome and having surrendered possession, Boruc could only watch on as the French striker opened the scoring.
Referee performance
With two footballing teams such as these on show, there was never going to be too much for Mark Clattenburg to have to deal with. He did have to flash the yellow card on a couple of occasions, but apart from that, there wasn't a bad tackle. He does deserve credit, though, for allowing the game to flow, having enforced the advantage rule on numerous occasions. Furthermore, he was also right to award Arsenal a penalty in the closing stages.
What next?
Arsenal: Next weekend the Gunners are on the road when they make the trip to Welsh side Cardiff City.
Southampton: Meanwhile, the Saints will return to the capital on Sunday, December 1 for a clash at Chelsea.
Liam Apicella
