SUMMER signing Cameron Archer insisted he knew his first league goal for Saints "would come eventually."

Archer, 22, opened his Premier League account for the season with the opening goal in a 3-1 defeat at Arsenal.

The former Aston Villa and Sheffield United forward raced onto a ball from Mateus Fernandes before slotting past David Raya.

Archer had gone close to scoring a league goal against both Manchester United and Ipswich Town.

He saw a penalty saved against the Red Devils at 0-0 and saw a tight-angle effort come back off the post against the Tractor Boys. 

Reflecting on his first league goal for Southampton, Archer told the Daily Echo: "I knew it would come eventually.

"I didn't think about it too much. I made sure I was in the right position at the right time and it came.

"Of course (I'm happy to get a goal) but it's all about the result at the end of the day. The only thing you can do is make that impact."

He added: "It's very important for me. I always want to score goals and make the difference and help my team."

Cameron Archer scored four goals for Sheffield United last seasonCameron Archer scored four goals for Sheffield United last season (Image: Southampton FC/Matt Watson) Archer started on the bench against the Gunners but came on during the first half to replace fellow forward Ross Stewart, who had his first Saints start cut short through injury.

This is the latest heartbreaking setback for the 28 year old who has managed less than 200 minutes for the club since joining last summer.

"I'm gutted for him," Archer explained. "Nobody wants to be injured. It's not a good place to be. I can only wish him the best in his recovery.

"I haven't been injured myself so I'm not in a position to say too much on that. I can only wish him the best. The only thing he can do is get his head down."

Saints were only in front for three minutes before German international Kai Havertz hit back for the Gunners.

Cameron Archer celebrates with jubilant Saints supportersCameron Archer celebrates with jubilant Saints supporters (Image: PA) Gabriel Martinelli completed the turnaround 10 minutes later before Bukayo Saka rubber-stamped the victory in the final minutes.

Archer felt Southampton could have got more out of the game if they played with more courage.

"We all know that Arsenal are a top side," he concluded. "I feel like if we played with a bit more courage, we could have given them an even better game.

"We defended well in the first half and we came out a bit more in the second half. We got the goal and three minutes later they scored.

"That's part of the game. We can't let it affect us when a goal goes in. It's all about what the manager wants at the end of the day and he wants results as well.

"I think the only thing we can do is work hard over the international break, see what we can work on and keep going.

"What matters the most is we do what we want to do. No matter the opponent, we try to be ourselves."