Southampton v Arsenal: Kick-off as scheduled despite reports of delay

The game kicks off as planned at 7.45pm

Arsene Wenger looks on from the Arsenal bench (GETTY IMAGES)

Tonight's Premier League game between Southampton and Arsenal kicks off at 7.45pm as scheduled despite reports that the visiting team's coach got stuck in traffic.

There were concerns that the kick off time could be revised amid reports Arsene Wenger and his team were late arriving at the St Mary's stadium due to heavy traffic in the area.

However, the teams emerged from the tunnel on time.

Southampton handed teenager Sam Gallagher his full senior debut in the Premier League clash.

The 18-year-old striker netted his first goal in Saturday's 2-0 win against Yeovil in the FA Cup and, with Rickie Lambert absent due to a hamstring complaint and Dani Osvaldo suspended by the club, started at St Mary's.

Gallagher's inclusion was one of two alterations from their last league match at Sunderland, with Maya Yoshida replacing the injured Dejan Lovren in central defence.

Mikel Arteta replaces Jack Wilshere, missing out due to an ankle problem, in Arsenal's only change from their last league outing, a 2-0 win against Fulham.

Southampton: Boruc, Chambers, Fonte, Yoshida, Shaw, Cork, Schneiderlin, Rodriguez, Steven Davis, Lallana, Gallagher. Subs: Kelvin Davis, Clyne, Wanyama, Ward-Prowse, Do Prado, Hooiveld, Isgrove.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Flamini, Arteta, Gnabry, Ozil, Cazorla, Giroud. Subs: Vermaelen, Podolski, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Fabianski, Bendtner, Jenkinson, Gibbs.

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