Home fans will help us beat Arsenal says Saints star

Arsenal will have to keep a wary eye on Southampton’s Shane Long this afternoon. Not only did he score the late winner against Liverpool in this week’s League Cup semi-final, but he also scored a very late winner against Norwich in the last round of the FA Cup, to set up today’s clash with the Gunners.

Arsenal seem to be making a habit of scoring late goals, but so is Long, so it could be an exciting end to our game today. The Republic of Ireland striker thinks that the Saints have every chance to keep their Cup form in today’s Fourth Round tie. Long said: “It would be brilliant to have another cup run.

“We always seem to meet Arsenal in the cup but it’s going to be a great game and hopefully it will be a big turn-out and the fans will get us through that one.

“They’re a good side and I think they might make a few changes as well, which they normally do, and it could be an evenly contested game.

“We’re still in with a shout by keeping ourselves in the competition and we’ll still take every game as it comes.

“There were eight changes against Norwich and a lot of young faces coming into the team who are working hard in training and deserved their chance.

“These cup runs give them a chance to show their worth and I felt they did a brilliant job.

“It gives us an opportunity to get a few goals and a run of form, and after our league form it’s nice to get a win and we’ll try to kick on from here.”

All Arsenal fans will be seriously hoping that Puel sticks to playing kids in the Cups, although it certainly doesn’t seem to be doing them any harm. Let’s hope it is not a draw with ten minutes to go if Long is on the pitch!

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