Danny Welbeck doubles up for Arsenal against Southampton in Premier League

LONDON: Sixth-placed Arsenal are now just three points adrift of Chelsea as Danny Welbeck scored twice and also set up Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to continue his fine start to life in the Premier League in a bad-tempered 3-2 win over Southampton.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger made seven changes from the side that beat CSKA Moscow 4-1 on Thursday in their Europa League quarter-final, first leg with Champions League qualification by winning that competition now the Gunners' priority.

Another England World Cup hopeful was heavily involved as the injury-ravaged Welbeck netted his first league goals since September.

Shane Long took advantage of a comical mix-up between Petr Cech and Shkodran Mustafi to put the visitors in front early on.

However, Welbeck teed up Aubameyang for his sixth goal in eight games since joining for a club-record fee from Borussia Dortmund and then put Arsenal in front before the break.

"I'm pleased for him because he has been through difficult times," said Wenger. "I have seen him behave (well) when it was really tough so he deserves everything he gets.

"He had every reason to feel sorry for himself, to think the mountain was too big to climb, because it was the right knee, then the left knee and a year out every time.

"People were questioning whether he would come back and I believe what he has done is exceptional."

Charlie Austin came off the bench to level for the Saints 17 minutes from time.

But, after passing up one glorious chance, Welbeck headed home the winner nine minutes from time.

Saints' Jack Stephens and Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny were then both sent-off as Southampton's frustration boiled over in the closing stages and they remain three points adrift of safety.