Arsenal will host Southampton at the Emirates Stadium in a Premier League clash, with the Gunners aiming to extend their unbeaten run and secure another victory. Meanwhile, Southampton seeks to end their winless streak. Arsenal enters the match buoyed by a 2-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, while Southampton is recovering from a 3-1 loss to Bournemouth.
In their midweek win over PSG, Arsenal capitalized on the opposition’s errors. PSG struggled at the Emirates, and Arsenal’s first goal came after goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma misjudged a cross from Leandro Trossard, allowing Kai Havertz to score.
Bukayo Saka added a second with a free-kick that slipped past Donnarumma. Following the victory, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was noticeably more relaxed, reflecting his team’s confident display. This was Arsenal’s third consecutive home win, following a high-scoring match against Leicester City.
Arsenal is currently third in the Premier League standings, one point behind Liverpool and Manchester City. They are unbeaten in 15 games since their Champions League exit in April and are close to reaching a milestone of 400 Premier League home victories.
Southampton, on the other hand, has been struggling, especially in away games. They recently lost 3-1 to Bournemouth in a South Coast derby, with their defense unable to contain the opposition’s attack.
Although they pulled one goal back through Taylor Harwood-Bellis, it was not enough for a comeback. Southampton is near the bottom of the Premier League table, just above Wolverhampton Wanderers by goal difference. Manager Russell Martin is under pressure, and a heavy defeat could jeopardize his job.
Southampton’s main problem has been their poor conversion rate, scoring only 4.4% of their chances this season. However, they take some encouragement from their last three matches against Arsenal, where they avoided defeat. Despite this, they haven’t won a league game at Arsenal since 1987.
Arsenal faces several injury concerns, particularly in defense, with Oleksandr Zinchenko, Kieran Tierney, and Takehiro Tomiyasu out. Ben White and Jurrien Timber are also doubtful.
Arsenal will also be without captain Martin Odegaard, but Kai Havertz is expected to continue his fine form. Southampton has their own issues, with defender Jack Stephens suspended and several key players, including Gavin Bazunu and Kamaldeen Sulemana, sidelined.
Arsenal’s home form and Southampton’s struggles on the road make the Gunners favorites for this match.
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