We have already discussed why Arsenal’s trip to Southampton could be a potential banana skin tomorrow, especially with our defensive problems and the Saints new manager, Ralph Hasenhutll, who performed wonders at Leipzig before coming to St Marys. Unai Emery is also aware that this could be a big test for the Gunners. “I think it’s a very big match like every match in the Premier League,” the boss said on Arsenal.com. “Southampton have some very good players and a new coach who has good experience and good performances in Germany.
“On Sunday I think they are going to push against us a lot. We need to prepare very well for the match with a very big personality because we want to be consistent.
“Every challenge is to continue doing that and Sunday is a big challenge and a big match, and also we are looking forward to continuing our improvement and good moment knowing that it’s difficult.
“Every match gives us a struggle in terms of work and continuing in our way. Against Southampton on Sunday, it’s about preparing for a different match. We need to create a stronger identity and our personality is getting better in each game. We are playing games our way.”
There is no doubt that the Gunners are playing with much more resilience, but we are still constantly in danger of conceding, especially with yet more juggling with the back line. We definitely need to improve on that and also with our injury list.
But who is really worried? Not me!
Sam P
This is a tough fixture. Sou are not doing well on the table, but usually they’re a top eight side and it is at home that they done most damage. These are or were our bogey team, and they didn’t sit back. Not sure what to expect from them, I haven’t seen any of their games this season, don’t know if they were unlucky, close calls, or if it was injuries playing its part. Big away game, we need the points as usual, Tott wont lose for a while in my estimation. I like how Emery approaches every game by reminding our players that they’ll need to bring it. Our fans were poor in our last league game, hopefully the away fans will sing all match long.
I’m also worried of any away game
In my opinion, it would be better to line-up with 3-4-1-2 or 4-3-3 in an away match like this, but I think Arsenal staffs would surprise us again
Charlie Austin is usually a big threat for Arsenal, because of he is very strong in the air. This should be a job for a towering CB like Mavropanos, but unfortunately he is injured
It a must win game, tots aren’t going to drop points this weekend or chelsea, so we need to be one our toes from the off. Like they say best form of defence is attack . Will will need terror and granit to be at there very best.
Our St Mary’s record is not the best. Emery is right to be on alert about this fixture. I want to see big improvements from our wide players, and if Ozil starts, I’d like to see him guns blazing. There’s potential for Liverpool to drop points this weekend, and Chelsea also have a tricky trip to Brighton so this will be a game we need to get 3 points in. COYG