Southampton vs Arsenal – 23/10/2022
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Arsenal lost to Southampton at St Mary’s last season by a 1-0 scoreline. Jan Bednarek’s first-half goal was enough to send the Saints to the win.
The Gunners will have the fixture fresh in their minds on Sunday as they visit St Mary’s to play Southampton once more. Southampton won two of their last four matches against Arsenal, with both victories coming at St Mary’s Stadium.
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Could this be the week Arsenal slip up in the title race? The Gunners are four points ahead of Manchester City after Liverpool defeated the reigning champions last weekend.
Southampton are suddenly unbeaten in back-to-back games. The Saints drew 1-1 with West Ham a week ago before defeating Bournemouth 1-0 in midweek.
The results have not taken the pressure off manager Ralph Hasenhuttl. He is one of the favourites to be sacked during the World Cup break.
Arsenal are atop the current form table with 15 points from the last six games. They outscored their last six opponents 13-7.
Mikel Arteta’s team played a Thursday night fixture in the Europa League against Netherlands club PSV Eindhoven. The match was a make-up for their previously postponed fixture. The Gunners won 1-0 and are practically in the round of 16 of the tournament.
Southampton picked up a mere four points from the last six games in the Premier League. Goals were difficult to come by as Southampton scored a mere three times. They conceded nine goals in the last six fixtures.
Three of the last four matches between Southampton and Arsenal finished as wins to nil. Arsenal are the best away team in the Premier League with 12 points from 15 points available.
Southampton are the second-worst home team in terms of points with just five from five games.
Hasenhuttl is without Valentino Livramento, Armel Bella-Kotchap, and Ainsley Maitland-Niles due to injury. Romeo Lavia is a major doubt after suffering a thigh injury. Full-back Kyle Walker-Peters should be fit after a bout of cramps.
Arteta is still waiting on three players to return to full fitness. He will be without midfield duo Mohamed Elneny and Emile Smith Rowe. Full-back Oleksandr Zinchenko is likely to miss the fixture. He is a major doubt to play.
Although Southampton won two of their last three home games against Arsenal, the Gunners should prevail. The win will keep them on top of the table. Arsenal should win 2-0 and stay at least four points ahead of Man City.
