Follow live coverage as Southampton face Arsenal today in the Premier League. Another top-flight season will be covered in full right here with The Independent, as reigning champions Manchester City look to make it an unprecedented five titles in a row come the end of 2024/25.
The likes of Arsenal and Liverpool will be chasing Pep Guardiola's side, but just as fascinating will be the race for Champions League places, with more teams than ever before having designs on top-four finishes. Chelsea remain big-spending, Manchester United's latest rebuild continues and both Tottenham and Newcastle will expect improvements this year - yet it was Aston Villa who snared fourth last term.
Meanwhile, it's Southampton, Leicester City and Ipswich Town who made it back to the elite after promotion last year and each will have hope they can make it more than a one-year stay. Follow the latest live action from the Premier League below:
Southampton FC 1 - 2 Arsenal FC
Southampton vs Arsenal
18:07And that’s that! The 2024/25 Premier League season comes to a close as Arsenal edge past Southampton 2-1 at St Mary’s. Kieran Tierney opened the scoring in the 43rd minute on what was likely his final appearance for the Gunners, capping off his Arsenal career with a well-taken goal. Southampton responded with greater intensity after the break and deservedly equalised through Stewart, who powered home a spectacular header from a corner. It looked destined to finish level, but Arsenal skipper Martin Ødegaard - introduced in the second half - stepped up with a brilliant late winner to seal the points. It's been a below-par season by his standards, but a fine way to sign off. Arsenal ended the match with 2.20 expected goals compared to Southampton’s 0.63, underlining their attacking threat despite some wastefulness. Simon Rusk’s Saints were spirited and well-organised, and among those watching was Will Still, expected to take charge of Southampton in the Championship next season. A pivotal summer lies ahead for Arsenal, with a centre-forward surely high on the agenda. That’s all from us this afternoon - until next time, goodbye!
Southampton vs Arsenal
17:58FULL-TIME: SOUTHAMPTON 1-2 ARSENAL
Southampton vs Arsenal
17:57Ramsdale launches the ball into the Arsenal box with the last kick of the game.
Southampton vs Arsenal
17:54Both sets of fans are in fine voice as we head into the final two minutes of the season. Saka makes his way back onto the pitch - great news for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal.
Southampton vs Arsenal
17:53Saka, who was only introduced 30 minutes ago, is down receiving treatment, but he's back on his feet now. Hopefully, it’s nothing too serious for the England international.
Southampton vs Arsenal
17:51There will be seven minutes of additional time, as Southampton look set to lose a record 30th game this season.
Southampton vs Arsenal
17:47Goal Martin Ødegaard
Southampton vs Arsenal
17:46Odegaard controls the ball beautifully in the middle of the park, but his outside-of-the-boot pass drifts just away from Havertz.
Southampton vs Arsenal
17:46Taylor directs the header back towards Ramsdale, who comfortably collects it, as Havertz was poised to pounce...
Southampton vs Arsenal
17:45Ugochukwu comes off after going down with cramp a few minutes earlier. He is replaced by Kayi Sanda.
Southampton vs Arsenal
17:45Southampton’s last shot came in the 56th minute, and at the moment, Arsenal aren’t creating much at the other end of the pitch either...
Southampton vs Arsenal
17:43As we approach the final ten minutes, the intensity has dropped, with both sides seemingly running out of steam after a long season.
Southampton vs Arsenal
17:37Sulemana is eventually replaced after giving his all today. Archer comes on in an attempt to help Southampton secure their first win since February.
Southampton vs Arsenal
17:37Substitution Jay Steven Robinson William Anthony Patrick Smallbone
Southampton vs Arsenal
17:36Sulemana is down once again after earlier receiving treatment. The Ghanaian pushed on but now looks to be in some discomfort.
Southampton vs Arsenal
17:35Arsenal have the ball in the back of the net through Saka, but the flag goes up immediately, and VAR reaffirms the offside decision.
Southampton vs Arsenal
17:32Substitution Ethan Chidiebere Nwaneri Martin Ødegaard
Southampton vs Arsenal
17:31Southampton defend well against a cross into the box, where Havertz was lurking to get on the end of it. An Arsenal corner will follow.
Southampton vs Arsenal
17:28Substitution Gabriel Teodoro Martinelli Silva Kai Lukas Havertz
Southampton vs Arsenal
17:28"After both Arsenal and Nottingham Forest have conceded this afternoon, David Raya and Matz Sels will share the Golden Glove this season!
Southampton vs Arsenal
17:28Substitution Oleksandr Zinchenko Myles Anthony Lewis-Skelly
Southampton vs Arsenal
17:27Substitution Ross Cameron Stewart Ebere Paul Onuachu
Southampton vs Arsenal
17:27FANTASTIC DEFENDING FROM TAYLOR!!! Martinelli picks out Saka at the back post, who lays it off to Zinchenko. The Ukrainian unleashes a rocket towards goal, but it’s heroically blocked by Taylor! Southampton are really putting their bodies on the line.
Southampton vs Arsenal
17:25Saka delivers an impressive right-footed cross, his first involvement since coming on, but it's cleared away by the defence.
Southampton vs Arsenal
17:20Substitution Kieran Tierney Leandro Trossard
Southampton vs Arsenal
17:20Substitution Raheem Shaquille Sterling Bukayo Ayoyinka Temidayo Saka
Southampton vs Arsenal
17:20There’s a pause in play as Sulemana is attended to by the medical team after picking up an injury.
Southampton vs Arsenal
17:19Arsenal nearly respond straight away! Nwaneri picks out White on the right, who squares it for Martinelli - but Sugawara makes a crucial clearance off the line to deny them!
Southampton vs Arsenal
17:14Assist Mateus Gonçalo Espanha Fernandes
Southampton vs Arsenal
17:14Fernandes steps up to take the free-kick, but hits it straight into the wall - a disappointing effort after all the anticipation.
Southampton vs Arsenal
17:12Rice goes through the back of Stewart on the edge of the box, and the referee rightly awards a free-kick. A great opportunity for Southampton to test the Arsenal keeper.
Southampton vs Arsenal
17:11Arsenal have taken more control in the last few minutes, with Nwaneri growing into the game. He curls a low effort towards the bottom left corner, but Ramsdale is equal to it.
Southampton vs Arsenal
17:09Martinelli shows frightening pace down the left, but even more impressively, Sulemana sprints back to cover for his side. The Ghanaian has been everywhere today - a real credit to his attitude and work rate.
Southampton vs Arsenal
17:08On his full debut, Robinson takes on Zinchenko with confidence, links up neatly with Stewart, and earns Southampton a corner.
Southampton vs Arsenal
17:06Southampton have enjoyed a decent spell of possession since the restart, but they’ve yet to pose any real threat to Raya’s goal.
Southampton vs Arsenal
17:04The second half is under way!
Southampton vs Arsenal
16:58Arsenal have generated exactly 1.00 xG, compared to just 0.21 for Southampton. The away side have spent much of the half probing with crosses but lacked the final touch - until Tierney stepped up with a composed finish. According to Opta's Live Win Probability model, Arsenal are now favourites to win this match in over 87% of scenarios.
Southampton vs Arsenal
16:55Arsenal lead Southampton at the break, with Kieran Tierney’s goal just before halftime the difference. It’s shaping up to be a fairytale ending for the Scottish full-back, who is expected to leave the club this summer after joining in 2019. The match itself has lacked real intensity, with little at stake for either side, and as a result, it hasn’t been the most entertaining of spectacles. However, Sulemana has been a bright spark for Southampton - his pace has posed consistent problems for Arsenal’s makeshift defence. Arteta's side are on course for a 14th consecutive final-day victory, but Southampton aren’t going down without a fight.
Southampton vs Arsenal
16:49HALF-TIME: SOUTHAMPTON 0-1 ARSENAL
Southampton vs Arsenal
16:49Sulemana has been Southampton’s standout player of the half, dazzling his way to the edge of the box. His shot is deflected just as the halftime whistle blows.
Southampton vs Arsenal
16:44Assist Benjamin William White
Southampton vs Arsenal
16:43Zinchenko strikes with venom from the resulting corner, but it’s deflected wide of the post! Arsenal are pushing hard for one before halftime...
Southampton vs Arsenal
16:43MARTINELLI MISSES A ONE-ON-ONE!!! Tierney’s perfectly clipped ball from deep loops over the Southampton defense, leaving Martinelli with just Ramsdale to beat. The Arsenal forward takes the shot, but Ramsdale reacts brilliantly, making an excellent save with his legs!
Southampton vs Arsenal
16:40Sulemana shows his pace once again, initially looking offside, but the flag stays down. However, he's quickly closed down by Arsenal’s unfamiliar backline.
Southampton vs Arsenal
16:40The pattern has been clear - Arsenal consistently surrendering possession, but Southampton unable to take advantage of the mistakes. Arteta will not be happy with what he's seen in the final third from his side this afternoon.
Southampton vs Arsenal
16:37Sulemana looks to break again, but with little support from his teammates, he's forced to hold the ball up. It’s a moment that will surely frustrate Simon Rusk, especially as Arsenal looked vulnerable.
Southampton vs Arsenal
16:36Tierney continues to create chances down the left, but his crosses are going unmet, once again highlighting Arsenal's need for a strong presence in the box. Meanwhile, Arteta, watching from the stands today, is seated next to Josh Kroenke, who will collaborate with the manager to strengthen the squad this summer.
Southampton vs Arsenal
16:33Southampton carve out a brilliant chance down the left, finding Stewart in space at the penalty spot - but his header is misjudged and sails harmlessly wide.
Southampton vs Arsenal
16:32There's been a noticeable lack of intensity so far - perhaps unsurprising, with neither side having much to play for. A spark of quality is needed to ignite this match.
Southampton vs Arsenal
16:29Partey lets fly from 25 yards and strikes it well, but it's hit straight at Ramsdale, who gathers rather comfortably.
Southampton vs Arsenal
16:28It's back and forth between the Arsenal and Southampton fans, with both sets in great spirits as we reach the midway point of the first half.
Southampton vs Arsenal
16:25ALMOST A CARBON COPY! Martinelli once again picks out Merino from the left, and the Spaniard’s header grazes the top of the crossbar!
Southampton vs Arsenal
16:23Tierney showcases his quality with a wicked left-footed delivery, forcing the defence to put it behind for another Arsenal corner.
Southampton vs Arsenal
16:23VAR upholds the on-field decision of no penalty, ruling that the ball struck Rice’s midriff rather than his arm.
Southampton vs Arsenal
16:22"Southampton players are adamant that Rice used his hand to block a shot from outside the box. VAR is now reviewing the incident.
Southampton vs Arsenal
16:20A swift Southampton breakaway, sparked by yet another poorly executed Arsenal set-piece, offers a clear route to goal - but Zinchenko recovers brilliantly to sweep the danger away, conceding the Saints' first corner of the match.
Southampton vs Arsenal
16:19Yet another letdown for Arsenal - the ball reaches the back post, completely unchallenged, with not a single Arsenal player in the frame.
Southampton vs Arsenal
16:18Sterling wins a free kick on the right flank in a dangerous position after being fouled while trying to weave his way into the box.
Southampton vs Arsenal
16:17Nwaneri plays it short from the corner, but the move fizzles out as the ball is worked all the way back to Raya. A disappointing outcome for Arsenal, especially given the effort they put into their set-piece routines.
Southampton vs Arsenal
16:16Nwaneri’s inswinging delivery earns Arsenal their first corner of the match. Set-piece's have been a reliable source of goals for the Gunners throughout the season.
Southampton vs Arsenal
16:14Eleven minutes in, Southampton have finally begun to gain a foothold in the game, but Arsenal remain firmly in control and will feel they should already be ahead.
Southampton vs Arsenal
16:11Rice has a pop shot from outside the box, but the ball bounces up just as he strikes it, making for an awkward connection that's easily dealt with by Southampton.
Southampton vs Arsenal
16:09Nwaneri does brilliantly down the right-hand side, gliding past his marker before slipping the ball into Sterling, who takes the shot on his weaker left foot but sends it wide of the far post.
Southampton vs Arsenal
16:07Wood tugs at the shirt of a sprinting Sterling, and the referee promptly blows for a free kick in the centre of the pitch.
Southampton vs Arsenal
16:06Arsenal are really pushing for an opener here! Martinelli turns provider, swinging in a pinpoint cross for the unmarked Merino, who heads just over the bar.
Southampton vs Arsenal
16:04An early opportunity for Arsenal as Zinchenko whips in a pacey cross to find Martinelli, but the Brazilian’s effort is tame and comfortably gathered by former Gunner Aaron Ramsdale.
Southampton vs Arsenal
16:04As expected, Arsenal are controlling the early tempo of this match. Rice captains Arsenal for the first time this afternoon.
Southampton vs Arsenal
16:01Nwaneri gets the game under wa for Arsenal!
Southampton vs Arsenal
16:01As the players emerge onto the pitch for one last time this season, Opta's Live Win Probability model gives Arsenal a commanding 70.6% chance of victory.
Southampton vs Arsenal
15:30Mikel Arteta also rings the changes, making five alterations to the side that overcame Newcastle a week ago. Tierney returns to the lineup for what could be his farewell appearance for the club, while Nwaneri is handed his first start since early April.
Southampton vs Arsenal
15:30Southampton make five changes from their 2-0 defeat at an emotional Goodison Park last weekend. Robinson is handed his full debut for the club, while Sugawara and Taylor also come into the starting XI as part of Simon Rusk’s reshuffle.
Southampton vs Arsenal
15:30ARSENAL SUBS: Neto, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Leandro Trossard, Jorginho, Kai Havertz, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Jack Henry-Francis, Ismael Kabia.
Southampton vs Arsenal
15:30ARSENAL (4-3-3): David Raya; Thomas Partey, Ben White, Jakub Kiwior, Kieran Tierney; Declan Rice, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Mikel Merino; Ethan Nwaneri, Gabriel Martinelli, Raheem Sterling.
Southampton vs Arsenal
15:30SOUTHAMPTON SUBS: Alex McCarthy, James Bree, Ryan Manning, Joachim Kayi Sanda, Jayden Moore, Will Smallbone, Joe Aribo, Cameron Archer, Paul Onuachu
Southampton vs Arsenal
15:30SOUTHAMPTON (3-4-2-1): Aaron Ramsdale; Yukinari Sugawara, Nathan Wood, Charlie Taylor; Mateus Fernandes, Flynn Downes, Lesley Ugochukwu, Wellington; Kamaldeen Sulemana, Jay Robinson; Ross Stewart.
Southampton vs Arsenal
15:30Arsenal are on course to finish as runners-up for the third consecutive season—a narrative Mikel Arteta will be determined to change by this time next year. With their spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League already secured, the Gunners will be looking to close out the campaign in style and extend their impressive unbeaten away run to 14 matches. Notably, Arsenal have won each of their last 13 fixtures on Matchday 38.
Southampton vs Arsenal
15:30Southampton’s fate has been sealed since early April, and they'll be desperate to bring a dismal season to an end. The Saints haven’t tasted victory since February, though they did manage to earn a solitary point in a goalless draw against Manchester City in their last outing at St Mary’s. Another defeat today would mark an unwanted milestone for Simon Rusk’s side, making them the first team in Premier League history to suffer 30 losses in a single campaign.
Southampton vs Arsenal
15:30Hello and welcome to our live text commentary of Southampton’s clash with Arsenal on this final day of Premier League action.
Southampton vs Arsenal
14:00Follow all the goals and latest action from the Premier League here with The Independent. Team news and line-ups coming up shortly…
