SAINTS boss Russell Martin believes Cameron Archer's first Premier League goal of the season will be a "big moment for him."

Archer gave Saints the lead at the Emirates Stadium when he raced onto Mateus Fernandes' long ball before firing past David Raya.

It ended his near eight-month wait for a Premier League goal - his last coming for Sheffield United in a 3-1 win over Luton last season.

Martin previously stated his belief that Archer would "fly" for Saints once he scores his first league goal for the club.

Archer had already opened his account for Saints with a brace against Championship side Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup. 

The former Aston Villa forward likes to operate on instinct and admitted he knew his first league goal would "come eventually."

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Martin said: "It'll be a big moment for him I think. 

“Obviously, he missed a penalty against United and then a couple of chances at Ipswich.

"He found himself out of the team not because of that at all, just because the game probably dictated something different.

"We wanted Ross Stewart's physical presence against two really brilliant centre-halves and we're gutted for Ross but Cam came on and took his moment.

"I think he's going to be a really top player for us as well. We spent a lot of money on him in the summer and he's got real tools that he needs. 

"The best tool he has is his hunger to learn and to improve and to grow and I think that will do him the world of good."