Arsenal vs Southampton

Arsenal’s stuttering pursuit of a first Premier League title in two decades continues at the Emirates Stadium as basement boys Southampton touch down in London.

For the second time in as many matchdays, Arsenal squandered a 2-0 lead as West Ham United came from behind to hold Mikel Arteta’s side to a second successive 2-2 draw, allowing second-placed Manchester City to whittle down the gap to four points. With the ‘Citizens’ also having a game in hand, the ‘Gunners’ must return to winning ways against a Southampton side they’ve never lost to at home in the Premier League era (W16, D7). Stretching beyond the Premier League borders, they’re undefeated in their last 27 league matches against Southampton on home turf (W19, D8), suggesting the continuation of their four-game winning top-flight run at the Emirates is on the cards. Connoisseurs of action-packed football will be looking forward to this fixture, considering each of Arsenal’s last four home league triumphs has seen them score 3+ goals.

On the other hand, visiting Southampton slumped to a disheartening 2-0 home defeat to resurgent Crystal Palace last weekend, making it three Premier League losses in a row while losing precious ground on 17th-placed Everton. Winless in their last six league outings (D2, L4), including four scoreless showings, the ‘Saints’ commence this round four points adrift of safety, highlighting the importance of upsetting the odds in the capital. However, after drawing a blank in three consecutive away league games in the build-up to this trip (D1, L2), Ruben Selles’ men look doomed, though there’s a silver lining. Despite experiencing a thoroughly abysmal season, the visitors are one of only three sides to have avoided defeat against Arsenal in the Premier League this term, courtesy of a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture at St Mary’s Stadium in October.