Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the match in the Premier League between Southampton and Arsenal. This game represents Ralph Hasenhuttl's first game at St Mary's, but the Austrian faces a stiff test against an in-form Gunners side.

Without further ado, let's take a look at the two starting lineups, beginning with the visitors.

SOUTHAMPTON XI: McCarthy; Yoshida, Vestergaard, Bednarek; Valery, Romeu, Hojbjerg, Targett; Redmond, Armstrong, Ings

SOUTHAMPTON SUBSTITUTES: Gunn, Hoedt, Davis, Johnson, Ward-Prowse, Long, Austin

ARSENAL XI: Leno; Bellerin, Lichtsteiner, Koscielny, Monreal; Xhaka, Guendouzi, Torreira; Mkhitaryan, Iwobi, Aubameyang

ARSENAL SUBSTITUTES: Cech, Maitland-Niles, Elneny, Ramsey, Ozil, Lacazette, Nketiah

Let's start with the home team as Hasenhuttl opts to go with a back three for the visit of Arsenal. However, the most notable bit of team news is the return to the starting lineup of Danny Ings, with Charlie Austin dropping to the bench.

The switch to a three-man backline has also resulted in Maya Yoshida being brought into the side. Youngster Yan Valery - making just his third Premier League start - and Matt Targett will be used as wing-backs.

Oriol Romeu and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg feature in the centre of the park, but there is no place in the team for Mario Lemina. Nathan Redmond and Stuart Armstrong keep their places either side of Ings in the final third.

Hasenhuttl has opted to hand a place on the bench to young winger Tyreke Johnson. Steven Davis is also a notable inclusion at a time when the midfielder is being linked with a January transfer to Rangers.

Let's turn our attention to Arsenal now with Unai Emery causing a bit of a surprise by leaving Alexandre Lacazette on the bench. Alex Iwobi and Henrikh Mkhitaryan have both been given opportunities on the flanks.

Emery had a decision to make regarding Laurent Koscielny but the Frenchman makes his second start in the space of three days, despite only featuring in a senior starting lineup for the first time in seven months on Thursday. Sead Kolasinac misses out due to tightness in his thigh.

There is also a surprise with the make-up of the midfield. Aaron Ramsey had been expected to feature but the Welshman is only named on the bench, with Matteo Guendouzi being given the nod.

Mesut Ozil - as expected - is only named among the replacements, while Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Mohamed Elneny are the only defensive-minded players on the bench. Emery is partly depleted at the back due to the one-match suspensions for Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis Papastathopoulos.

Arsenal will move into fourth place this afternoon should they better the result of Chelsea, who are facing Brighton & Hove Albion at the same time as this match.

A draw will be enough to take Southampton above Huddersfield Town and into 18th position. Victory would take the club out of the relegation zone.

Hasenhuttl had a smile on his face when arriving at St Mary's a little earlier. How long that lasts remains to be seen...

Heading in! 👋 😇

Watch as the #SaintsFC squad made their way into St Mary's for today's #PL clash with #Arsenal: pic.twitter.com/VnsA9td9Oc — Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) December 16, 2018

There is pressure on Hasenhuttl to deliver a win for a number of reasons this afternoon, and that includes looking to avoid an unwanted club record. Southampton have never gone 13 Premier League matches without a win, but that could happen today.

They have also gone eight home league matches without success. Their last triumph came all the way back in April against Bournemouth.

Southampton have also failed to beat "a top-six side" in 29 attempts, which is staggering! Just eight draws have been recorded during that period.

Hasenhuttl must also find a solution to Southampton giving up winning positions. They have lost 12 points when leading during the current campaign.

Arsenal head into this contest having put together a 22-match unbeaten run in all competitions. Their last defeat came at Chelsea on the second weekend of the season.

They are also on their best streak in the top flight since 2011. Ten wins and four draws have come from 14 matches.

However, Arsenal are still attempting to achieve their first half-time advantage of the Premier League campaign. With Southampton giving up so many leads, maybe Arsenal will record another comeback success?

Arsenal have recorded as many as 12 points from losing positions, which is a tremendous return at this stage of the season. It's difficult to back against the Gunners this afternoon.

PREDICTION! Hasenhuttl will be expecting a performance full of commitment and desire from his new side, but you cannot back against Arsenal in this game. The North London outfit are finding goals easy to come by, and we expect that to continue on the South coast. Arsenal to prevail by a 3-1 scoreline.

HEAD TO HEAD! Sunday's contest will represent the 96th competitive meeting between the two clubs, with Arsenal registering 49 wins in comparison to 20 victories for Southampton.

The Saints have had joy in this fixture since the start of the 2014-15 campaign with five triumphs coming from 11 encounters, but Arsenal head into this game having not lost in the four most recent clashes.

The Gunners have recorded two wins and a draw from their last three trips to Southampton, with Olivier Giroud netting a late equaliser in the corresponding fixture 12 months ago

Before we get going on the South coast, a reminder that you can also follow the encounter between Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea by clicking here.

It's a big afternoon for this man.

❤️ @6_LKOSCIELNY #SOUARS pic.twitter.com/CCsdTizhJg — Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) December 16, 2018

It's time for the two teams to start making their way out at St Mary's. The home crowd are sure to be behind their new boss this afternoon, but Hasenhuttl will be aware that he must make an immediate impression.

A reminder of the two starting lineups...

SOUTHAMPTON XI: McCarthy; Yoshida, Vestergaard, Bednarek; Valery, Romeu, Hojbjerg, Targett; Redmond, Armstrong, Ings

ARSENAL XI: Leno; Bellerin, Lichtsteiner, Koscielny, Monreal; Xhaka, Guendouzi, Torreira; Mkhitaryan, Iwobi, Aubameyang

KICKOFF:  Southampton get us underway!

It has been a bright start from Southampton who have wasted little time in setting a high tempo. However, Arsenal look equally keen to play at a fast pace.

A mistake from Yoshida gives Iwobi the chance to get down the left, but Valery gets back to make the challenge before the Arsenal man can get a cross into the middle.

CHANCE!  The first chance of the game goes to Arsenal. Guendouzi picks out the run of Aubameyang and the forward is in behind the Southampton defence. However, McCarthy stays big at his near post to divert the Gabon international's shot away for a corner.

The home fans will be delighted to see their side's attacking intent but already, Arsenal are picking them apart. Mkhitaryan was left one-on-one with the last defender, but his 25-yard strike was blocked.

The pace of the game has slowed down a touch now, but Arsenal look the more comfortable of the two teams. Southampton are not doing much to nullify the threat coming at them.

This looks worrying for Redmond. The winger was inadvertently caught when an Arsenal player was making a pass and he's had to go down in order to receive treatment. He's back on, but doesn't look overly comfortable.

SHOT!  Redmond has recovered enough to go on a mazy run and see a tame shot deflected wide of Leno's far post. The Englishman is going to be fine to continue. Nothing came from the resulting corner.

Southampton have improved over the last few minutes. They are keeping Arsenal on the back foot with both wing-backs getting forward. This game is shaping up nicely.

SHOT!  More good play from Southampton - this time on the counter - leads to Redmond teeing up Armstrong on the edge of the box. The Scot moves inside before attempting to find the far corner but Leno is equal to the task.

GOAL!  Southampton 1-0 Arsenal (Danny Ings)

Southampton take the lead! It's an excellent goal, too. Targett's cross from the left flank evades Koscielny's outstretched leg and Ings is there to power a header inside the near post from six yards out.

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Arsenal have a job on their hands here. They started really brightly, but it has been all Southampton over the last 10 minutes. The home side have a spring in their step.

SHOT!  Ings looks confident this afternoon and the forward does not waste any time in getting a shot away from distance. However, Leno anticipates where the curler is heading and makes a comfortable stop.

LATEST! Chelsea have taken the lead against Brighton at the Amex Stadium. Pedro is the man who has got on the scoresheet.

Arsenal have improved ever so slightly over the past couple of minutes, but they are not moving the ball quick enough in Southampton's half of the pitch. It is giving the home side a chance to set up with a back five too easily.

GOAL!  Southampton 1-1 Arsenal (Henrikh Mkhitaryan)

This is a rarity - Mkhitaryan has scored a header! Monreal does brilliantly to get to the byline and his cross is headed into the bottom corner by the Armenian from around 12 yards out. It's a very good goal.

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Arsenal are back on top now and Southampton are struggling to cope. The visitors are starting to get down the sides and it may only be a matter of time before Aubameyang is found in the middle.

The decibel level at St Mary's has dropped considerably since Mkhitaryan's equaliser. It's as if they are sensing the worst with Arsenal getting on top. Their side need to produce a response.

LATEST! Chelsea are now two goals ahead at Brighton with Eden Hazard adding a second. It looks like the Blues are going to keep Arsenal out of the top four.

Ings sprints 30 yards to put pressure on Leno and the goalkeeper's pass eventually leads to Arsenal's attempt at a clearance being closed down. That got the crowd on their feet again!

There has been little in the way of chances since Arsenal's equaliser, but this remains an entertaining game. Hasenhuttl will be keen to get his side back into the changing rooms while they are on level terms.

Mkhitaryan has been Arsenal's best performer this afternoon. The Armenian has not always delivered during his time at the Emirates Stadium but when the playmaker is in this mood, he is difficult to stop.

Southampton win a corner on the right-hand side which Armstrong plays short to Redmond. However, the winger sees a shot blocked on the edge of the area. That was a bit of a waste.

GOAL!  Southampton 2-1 Arsenal (Danny Ings)

We have witnessed some great headers this afternoon but this is the best of the lot. Redmond's floated cross finds Ings - who has got in front of Lichtsteiner - and the forward directs a fine header from by the penalty spot into the far corner. Leno didn't move.

There will be two minutes of added-on time.

HALF TIME:  Southampton 2-1 Arsenal

The half-time whistle goes at St Mary's and two goals from Ings have given Southampton a 2-1 lead. Mkhitaryan has gotten on the scoresheet for Arsenal, but the Gunners have it all to do to maintain their long unbeaten record.

Both of Ings's goals have come with his head. The first came as a result of a cross from Targett, with the wing-back's delivery being powerfully headed inside the near post from close range after Koscielny had failed to get a touch on the ball. Redmond provided the assist for the second, but Ings had to generate his own power and direction, succeeding in finding the far corner from 12 yards out.

Mkhitaryan had initially equalised for Arsenal. The Armenian does not score many goals with his head, but the playmaker was perfectly placed to send Monreal's cross into the bottom corner from by the penalty spot. Mkhitaryan has been Arsenal's best player this afternoon.

KICKOFF:  Arsenal get us back underway. The Gunners have made a change with Lacazette replacing Bellerin, who picked up an injury before the break.

CHANCE!  Early chance for Arsenal at the start of this second half. Mkhitaryan picked out the run of Aubameyang but McCarthy got out well to close the gap between himself and the forward and a timely block was made by the Englishman.

I don't see this game remaining 2-1. Emery is keen for his players to remain on the front foot, but that is only freeing up space at the other end. Something will give sooner rather than later.

YELLOW CARD!  The first yellow card of the game goes to Bednarek, who ends up fouling Lacazette on the halfway line after a sharp turn from the substitute.

GOAL!  Southampton 2-2 Arsenal (Henrikh Mkhitaryan)

It had been coming but Southampton can count themselves unlucky. Mkhitaryan is teed up on the edge of the area and the midfielder's tame shot is deflected into the net by Vestergaard, leaving McCarthy with no chance.

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CHANCE!  Arsenal are not going to sit back now that they are level. Aubameyang works an opening for Iwobi, who sends a shot over the crossbar when attempting to find the far top corner.

It will be interesting to see how Southampton fare during the last third of the game. They have put a lot into this match and Arsenal certainly look the fresher.

Southampton string a few positive passes together in the final third, but Arsenal quickly regain possession. It's turning into a difficult task for the home side.

YELLOW CARD!  Koscielny goes into the book for tripping Redmond after the winger had got ahead of him on the edge of the area.

Targett attempts to find Vestergaard with the resulting set piece, but Koscielny gets across to make a timely clearance.

SUBSTITUTION! Redmond is forced off with a knock and it results in Long being introduced to the action.

A few passes are starting to go astray for both teams and it has all become rather scrappy. That probably suits Southampton at this stage.

LATEST! Brighton have pulled a goal back against Chelsea through March. You can follow the closing stages of that game by clicking here.

Lacazette charges down a clearance from McCarthy and it leads to panic stations. Aubameyang and Lacazette both have chances to try to catch the goalkeeper out, but Southampton survive.

SUBSTITUTION! Arsenal make a second change with Ozil being introduced for Iwobi.

YELLOW CARD!  Armstrong goes into the book for Southampton for a tackle from behind on Lichtsteiner.

SUBSTITUTION! Southampton also make a second change with Austin being introduced for Ings.

SUBSTITUTION! Lichtsteiner has picked up a bit of a knock so Maitland-Niles is being introduced at full-back.

DISALLOWED GOAL!  This is a brilliant call from the assistant. Leno makes a stunning save to keep out Yoshida's header with Long bundling home the rebound. However, the substitute was offside.

That was a bit of a let-off for Arsenal whose defending from a corner was poor. This game is still there for the taking for both sides.

McCarthy pulls off a tremendous save to keep out a glancing header from Lacazette, but the flag had already gone up for offside.

Arsenal break in numbers and Aubameyang stretches the play by finding Ozil. The ball is given to Guendouzi whose shot is deflected towards the back post, but Aubameyang cannot get a decisive touch from close range.

You can feel the tension in the stands. The home fans would still be delighted with a point, despite seeing their side twice go ahead. Arsenal look the most likely to find a winner.

GOAL!  Southampton 3-2 Arsenal (Charlie Austin)

Maybe not! Southampton go ahead for the third time in this match. Long is sent clear down the right but it appears that the Irishman's cross will be dealt with by Leno. However, the goalkeeper fails to get a touch to the ball and Austin is there at the back post to head into an empty net.

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Arsenal are just three minutes plus added-on time away from losing their unbeaten streak. Expect the visitors to throw everyone forward during these closing minutes.

The Gunners are doing just that but after Southampton manage to clear, Arsenal give away a foul in the centre of the pitch. Southampton are getting closer.

Maitland-Niles then gives away a free kick in the corner. More valuable seconds will be eaten up here. However, the fourth official says that there will be five minutes of added-on time.

CHANCE!  Everyone is back for Southampton. They are working so hard to hold onto this lead. However, Guendouzi is presented with the chance to head Arsenal level from 14 yards, but can only send his effort well over the crossbar.

SUBSTITUTION! Here comes Johnson for his debut, with Armstrong making way.

YELLOW CARD!  Long goes into the book for a flailing arm. He can have no complaints.

FULL TIME:  Southampton 3-2 Arsenal

The full-time whistle goes at St Mary's and Southampton have held on for a crucial win! Arsenal were probably deserving of a point, but Austin's late header has ended Arsenal's four-month unbeaten streak. What a result! Southampton also move out of the relegation zone. Hasenhuttl will be ecstatic.

That will be all from Sports Mole for this match. Thank you for joining us this afternoon and we hope to see you again soon.

If you would like to read our on-the-whistle match report, you can do so by clicking here. Goodbye for now.