Arsenal came from behind for the first time in a Premier League game this season to beat Southampton and move to within five points of the top four.

The Gunners saw their defence of the FA Cup end with a fourth-round defeat at St Mary’s on Saturday but they returned three days later to record a 3-1 victory.

Southampton looked on course to see off the visitors once more as Stuart Armstrong fired them ahead with a fine third-minute volley.

The England international would then set up the third, latching onto an inch-perfect crossfield pass from Cedric Soares and crossing for Lacazette to tap in.

The win is a fifth from Arsenal’s last six Premier League games following the turnaround in form which started with a Boxing Day victory over Chelsea.

Arteta refused to be drawn on his ambitions for the season the last time he spoke to the media but, with high-flying Manchester United next up at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, this win certainly means the Spaniard will continue to look up, rather than down.

Conversely, Southampton slip to 11th and have now won just one of their last seven in the league following their fine start to the campaign.