The Gunners looked set to leapfrog Manchester United [ Images ] into second place after Freddie Ljungberg's 45th-minute goal put them ahead against a home side who were reduced to 10 men after midfielder David Prutton was sent off minutes earlier.

However Robin Van Persie [ Images ], playing up front because of suspensions to Dennis Bergkamp and Jose Antonio Reyes [ Images ], was needlessly dismissed for a second yellow card after 50 minutes to give struggling Southampton hope.

Striker Peter Crouch headed a 67th-minute equaliser for the hosts after goalkeeper Jens Lehmann failed to reach Jamie Redknapp's deep corner.

Southampton goalkeeper Paul Smith made superb late saves to deny Thierry Henry [ Images ], Ljungberg and Ashley Cole [ Images ], while Cole also had a last-minute header disallowed for offside.

Arsenal stay third on 58 points, one behind United who are in action later at Portsmouth. Leaders Chelsea [ Images ], who play Liverpool in the League Cup final on Sunday, have 68 points.

Southampton remain third from bottom, one point behind Crystal Palace who host Birmingham City [ Images ] later.