Claude Puel has seen his new Southampton side struggle to only gain one point from the first three games of the season, but he believes his team is better than that and will give Arsenal a run for their money in Saturday’s game at the Emirates. “It’s a difficult game for us, but it will also be difficult for Arsenal because we have plenty of qualities in our team,” Puel told saintsfc.co.uk.
“They have come back with all of the international players and now it’s a complete team of Arsenal after the transfer window closed.
“It’s a good challenge for us to see our level and I hope to see all of the progress that we are making on the pitch.
“It’s difficult for both coaches to prepare for this game because of the international break, but it’s the same for Arsenal and we have to be ready.”
“I think it’s important that we come back to Southampton with a good result and to be rewarded for the work that the players have put in,”
“The difference between the quality on the pitch and the results of the first three games has been big, and that’s a disappointment.
“Of course it’s interesting for the future, but now it’s important to take points.”
Of course the points are just as important for Arsenal, and despite our abysmal recent record against Southampton it is imperative that the Gunners must end the game with all three points, or find ourselves dropping even further away from the top of the table….
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Southampton without Wanyama are not quite the team they were last season. I’m afraid Arsenal is the overwhelming favourite for this one. But then you never know…
I don’t think losing one player of Wanyama’s abilities is going to effect a club too much. Koeman is the big loss. Mane is a huge loss to their attack, then losing Wanyama doesn’t help matters. Poor Southampton, every season they’re ripe for the picking. They could’ve had some team if only they’d haven the salaries to offer.
It all depends on who Wenger plays
PSG is just 3 days later and I would guess we would need most of our regular starters for that game. Both Southampton and PSG are not as good as last season but still good enough to beat us. I expect Wenger to rest some players against Southampton but also play certain players in both matches.
I expect Wenger to make use of Holding against Southampton with either Koscielny and Mustafi and then use both Koscielny and Mustafi against PSG
I also think he will use Coquelin and possibly Ramsey or Eleney against Southampton and possibly Cazorla with Xhaka against PSG or perhaps a different combination. Thankfully we have great depth in central midfield
I am not sure he will use both Perez and Giroud against PSG or use one against Southampton and one against PSG
With Perez its possible Alexis will just play against PSG but he usually plays both matches when they are close together.
I would play Ospina against Southampton and Cech against PSG
Ospina will only play League Cup matches. That’s what happens when you’re 2nd choice at a top club.
Unleash the beast Mr Wenger!
Yes folks, Lucas perez is the skinny Beast that I’m talking about ?
I read an article that was combined with statements from all of his previous managers and they all praised him and are expecting great things from Lucas when he teams up with Ozil and Sanchez.
Lucas is still too inexperienced for the EPL. He needs about 2 months watching and taking notes from the bench 🙂