Alexis Sanchez secured a late winner for the the Gunners as they looked to be heading for a goalless draw in their match against surprise early fliers- Southampton who pushed Arsenal to the very end and where unfortunate to leave the Emirates empty.

The Gunners seemed to control the game but where caught on several occasions when Southampton broke with Long selfishly blazing the ball wide when he should have passed.

Welbeck, Giroud and Ramsey spawned chances in front of an impressive Foster who almost gave his side a point from the Emirates.

In-form Alexis Sanchez, however, had other ideas against the side who knocked them out of the League Cup early in the season when he popped up to slot home a Ramsey cross.

Arsene Wenger delighted with the outcome said, “I think we deserved it, yes, because we have very few chances away and we had more chances than Southampton. We kept a clean sheet as well.

Asked about his sides drive for the title Wenger replied, “I’m a bit cautious but we have the right attitude, we have a good solidarity in the team, a good focus, and that’s a good basis. Laurent Koscielny was absolutely outstanding today and he contributes to stabilize our defense. We missed him for nearly two months and it’s important.

On Southampton’s recent run, Wenger warned fans not write them off too quickly.

“They are a good side and they played very well. Up front they are quick to come out when they win it, they are always first on the ball and they play in a very intelligent way. You always feel they are a threat,” he said, adding that he still believed Southampton remained top four contenders.