Alexis Sanchez once again proved his worth with a last-gasp goal as Arsenal kept their third successive clean sheet with a 1-0 win over Southampton.
The Chilean winger, who has arguably been one of the signings of the summer in the Premier League this season, scored from close range in the final minute of normal time for his 14th goal of the season.
Arsenal controlled for large spells and the score could've been higher had man of the match Fraser Forster not been in sublime form for the visitors.
The Saints have been one of the stand-out sides this season, with Ronald Koeman's men defying all the odds to keep among the top four, but it was the Gunners who continued to get their season back on track to inflict back-to-back league defeats on their opponents for the first time this season.
Although Arsenal are still not answering all the questions being posed by their critics, it was a third win in three games in all competitions and another largely solid defensive display. The Gunners have often been criticised for leaking goals at the back, but the back four limited Southampton to just one shot on target and deserve huge credit for that. It is no coincidence that the return of Laurent Koscielny from injury has seen more defensive stability at the back for the Gunners. Stand-in goalkeeper Damian Martinez also kept another clean sheet, and although he didn't have too much to do, he seems to be showing no fear and recent results will undoubtedly do his confidence the world of good.
Wenger is still under pressure from sections of the fans but one thing he cannot be questioned on is his signing of Sanchez, who once again delivered the goods, even on a day he didn't have the strongest of performances.
In truth, the game didn't really come to life until the second half. Neither goalkeeper had too much to do in the opening 45 minutes, with the best chance falling to the hosts in first-half stoppage time. Welbeck's flicked header looked goal-bound but Forster reacted well to turn his header over the bar.
Olivier Giroud almost made an instant impact when he replaced Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after 65 minutes, but the Frenchman's snap shot was kept out by the impressive Forster. The England goalkeeper continued to impress, much to the frustration of the hosts, and I personally would have him as England's number one ahead of Joe Hart.
Forster made arguably his best save of the match when Giroud's neat flick released Welbeck and the Saints star man reacted superbly to deny his England counterpart with a one-handed save.
Saints were dealt a blow in the closing stages when Toby Alderweireld suffered a hamstring injury and Southampton had already used all three substitutes, forcing the visitors to play out the remainder of the game with 10 men.
The hosts made the extra man count as Aaron Ramsey latched onto a loose ball before sending the ball back across goal for Sanchez, who calmly slotted the ball home from six yards to send the Gunners' faithful into raptures.
There is definitely room for improvement and Wenger's previous problems haven't gone away, but this is certainly another step in the right direction. With the defence continuing to improve, the Gunners just need to find a way to be more clinical up front, possibly with some January additions, to be able to properly challenge the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City.
Focus must now turn to Stoke as Arsenal look to maintain their good run of form.
Come on you Gunners
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