Ultimately it was heartbreak for Saints in an injury hit battle, but they showed that they have the pride and the guts to take on anyone in this League.
Although it was pretty much a rearguard action as Saints seemed to pick up injury after injury, the whole team showed guts and pride in a performance that proved to a watching TV audience that they have what it takes to go to the wire in this season.
If it wasn't bad enough that they had to start the game with an injury list that included Morgan Schneiderlin, James Ward Prowse and Jay Rodriguez, it seemed to be one of those nights were we were not only having to play the opposition but lady luck as well and she wasnt smiling on us.
The loss of Jack Cork before the half hour mark was bad enough, but we regrouped and Toby Alderweireld was outstanding in central midfield, next to take a knock was Shane Long, but it seemed that he had to soldier on which he did excellently.
In the second half Long would surely have come off but Tadic got a knock and he again had to battle on, ironically just as we looked to be in the final five minutes or so and Long finally got that well earned rest, Toby Alderweireld Saints outfield man of the match pulled up with a hamstring injury and we were down to ten men.
Truth is though we gave the game away in the final minute, Fonte really should have cleared the ball and on another day may have seen a penalty given against him, his wild slice went on to his own arm and left an easy cross for Sanchez to tap tap in.
It was frustrating that after coming so far and battling the odds and matching Arsenal that we gave the game away so sloppily at the death.
But we restored our pride after the Manchester City defeat and i would say that very few sides in this division could battle as we did with so many key men injured to start with and then to lose three more during the game.
Arsenal knew they got lucky on this, yes they had plenty of possession and yes Fraser Forster was man of the match with not only a string of fine saves but a command of his box that was a delight to see, but the game was dominated by the injuries we suffered and the reshuffles we have to do.
The real irony is that in most games Ronald Koeman has only used two subs , seemingly preferring to be cautious and hold one back for emergencies, on the day he doesn't it turns out to be the day he needs to.
Saints fans should be proud of their team tonight, it showed character and it showed heart, that will stand us in good stead for the rest of the season. .