Arsenal still have to improve despite ‘strong performance’ against Southampton, says Mikel Arteta

Gunners recovered from an early setback to clinch all three points at St Mary’s

(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta praised his side after a 3-1 win at Southampton in chilly conditions on Tuesday lifted them into the top half of the Premier League table, but the Spaniard said there was still a lot of work to be done.

Having suffered a poor start to the season, Arsenal have been firing on all cylinders lately and Nicolas Pepe, Bukayo Saka and Alexandre Lacazette all got on the scoresheet after the visitors fell behind to an early goal.

"I think we were good from the start. We conceded a goal from a corner but responded straight away. We were good on the ball, we got out of trouble and made some big chances," Arteta told BT Sport.

"Our pressing was brilliant. We were good on the break. It was a strong performance."

It was a marked change from Arsenal's display at the same venue last Saturday, where Saints dumped them out of the FA Cup.

Bukayo Saka celebrates scoring for Arsenal (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

"It is tough to win here, they are strong and have been in form. It showed a lot of intelligence and resilience from the team in the way they managed the game," Arteta added, before sounding a note of caution.

"We have still a lot to do. We have to improve, be humble and train good for the next game," he said ahead of their home fixture with Manchester United on Saturday.

READ MORE: Five things we learned as Arsenal defeat Southampton

Southampton coach Ralph Hasenhuettl was disappointed with how his side gave up their early lead and gave a blunt assessment of their shortcomings.

"It was easy to score against us today, we didn't close the gaps between centre-back and full back. Such an opponent can kill you, that is why we didn't deserve anything today," he told BBC Sport.

"We had moments to score. We tried the best we could today but it was not enough," he added. 

Reuters