James Beattie's hot streak continued as he scored a brace to help Southampton defeat 10-man Arsenal.

And Ecuador striker Agustin Delgado graced his first League start with Saints' other goal as the hosts won for the first time in five matches.

Delgado was also involved in the turning point of the match just after the break, when he was brought down by Sol Campbell to earn a penalty.

Arsenal keeper David Seaman was playing his first match after injury and was quick to pick up where he left off in his turbulent season.

He failed to make it to half-time before conceding another goal which will further add fuel to his critics' fire.

Beattie's 30-yard effort was struck sweetly and Seaman was found wanting once more from a long-range shot.

That put Southampton back on level terms after Dennis Bergkamp had opened the scoring after a fine passing move.

His 18-yard half-volley crashed into the net to cap some excellent one-touch passing involving Patrick Vieira and Sylvain Wiltord.

But that was one of the few moments Arsenal would savour, along with Robert Pires' goal 10 minutes from time which set up a thrilling finale.

The Frenchman came off the bench to score at the second attempt after his initial header was saved.

But the comeback was beyond Arsenal and Delagado's strike proved to be the winner.

Again, Seaman's judgement will be questioned as he hesitated and failed to cut out a cross which led to Southampton's third goal.

The ball floated across the Arsenal penalty area and Delgado nodded home from three yards out.

Southampton: Niemi, Dodd, Lundekvam, Michael Svensson, Bridge, Fernandes (Telfer 87), Oakley, Delap, Marsden, Beattie, Delgado (Ormerod 83).

Subs Not Used: Jones, Williams, Anders Svensson.

Booked: Marsden.

Goals: Beattie 45, 59 pen, Delgado 67.

Arsenal: Seaman, Luzhny, Campbell, Cygan, Cole, Wiltord, Vieira, Edu (Toure 61), Ljungberg (Jeffers 72), Bergkamp (Pires 73), Henry.

Subs Not Used: Taylor, Silva.

Sent Off: Campbell (57).

Booked: Cole, Vieira.

Goals: Bergkamp 36, Pires 80.

Attendance: 31,797.

Referee: P Durkin (Dorset).