with Granit Xhaka's corner before Calum Chambers' acrobatic attempt was smothered by McCarthy.

Welbeck put the hosts ahead in the 38th as he collected Alex Iwobi's slide-rule pass before cutting inside and seeing his shot deflect in off the heel of Maya Yoshida. It was the England forward's first league goal since September.

McCarthy had to be alert at the start of the second half to make smart saves from Aubameyang and Xhaka with Iwobi also drawing another stop as Arsenal looked to kill off the game.

Southampton's chances were limited, but Elneny had to be on hand to clear off the line as Wesley Hoedt sent a header toward goal with Cech scrambling to tip Long's header behind soon after.

Long was celebrating a second of the afternoon only to seethe goal rightly ruled out for offside as he steered Cedric's drive past Cech.

Saints were starting to come back into the contest and Cech was on hand again to keep out a long-range Hoedt strike as Wenger reacted by introducing Wilshere and Alexandre Lacazette from the bench.

Hughes, meanwhile, turned to Austin and was instantly rewarded as the striker turned home the equalizer in the 73rd with his first touch after strong work from Cedric.

Welbeck passed up a fine chance to put Arsenal back ahead as he turned Wilshere's pull-back high and wide before Austin bustled through at the other end to poke straight at Cech.

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Welbeck scored the winner for Arsenal in the 81st minute.

After his great chance moments earlier, Welbeck made amends by heading