Arsenal climbed to ninth place in the Premier League with a 2-0 victory over Southampton on Thursday.

Edward Nketiah's strike in the 20th minute gave the visitors an early lead at St. Mary's. And Joseph Willock secured the three points in the 87th minute after Jack Stephens was sent off.

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Now on 43 points, the Gunners are one behind eighth-placed Sheffield United and eight off Chelsea for the final Champions League place.

The loss keeps Southampton in 14th place with 37 points, 10 ahead of the relegation zone.

Mikel Arteta's men will next face Sheffield United in an FA Cup quarterfinal (live at 8 a.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN Deportes) on Sunday, while the Saints will visit Watford in a Premier League match that same day.