Match Overview:
Date: October 5, 2024
Time: 15:00 (Kick-off)
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
Referee: T. Harrington
As Arsenal prepares to face Southampton at the Emirates in Round 7 of the Premier League, the stakes are high. Arsenal is in brilliant form, having just come off a stunning 2-0 victory against PSG in the Champions League.
They’ve also had a great league performance, topping off their last weekend with a 4-2 win over Leicester City. Manager Mikel Arteta is determined to continue this momentum, aiming to keep Arsenal’s unbeaten run and climb to the top of the table.
Southampton, however, are struggling at the opposite end of the league, sitting second to last with just one point from six games. Their last match ended in disappointment with a 3-1 loss to Bournemouth. The Gunners are looking to extend their unbeaten streak against promoted teams, while Southampton is desperate for a breakthrough.
Here’s an in-depth look at both teams, including their strengths, weaknesses, key players, and a match prediction.
Arsenal’s Current Form and Strengths:
Arsenal is on fire this season, managing a strong record of four wins and two draws. Their recent Champions League victory against PSG demonstrated their confidence and skill, and they also recorded an impressive league win against Leicester, which has fans and players alike optimistic.
Arsenal is known for its defensive solidity, managing 17 clean sheets across all competitions in 2024—a remarkable stat that speaks volumes about their defensive structure under Arteta. Their backline, including key players like Gabriel and Saliba, is organized and reliable, allowing the Gunners to control the game effectively from the back.
Midfield control is another Arsenal strength, with Declan Rice anchoring the middle and players like Kai Havertz adding creativity to the attack. Arsenal’s set-piece play is also highly effective, making them a threat in dead-ball situations. Despite missing Martin Ødegaard due to injury, Arsenal has depth, and their bench strength means they can rotate players without compromising quality.
Key Player to Watch – Leandro Trossard:
Trossard’s impact since his suspension has been phenomenal, contributing directly to goals in his last two matches. Arsenal’s win record when Trossard scores is remarkable, with 12 consecutive league victories in such instances. He’s versatile, able to drift between lines, and his eye for goal makes him a key asset.
Arsenal’s Weaknesses:
Injuries have been a setback for Arsenal, with players like Ødegaard, Tierney, Tomiyasu, and Zinchenko sidelined. Although they have squad depth, missing these key players could impact their playmaking abilities. Another potential weakness is their occasional lapses in concentration, especially in high-stakes matches, which have previously seen them concede late goals.
Southampton’s Struggles and Challenges:
Southampton’s season has been a rough one so far, as they find themselves at the bottom of the table with a poor defensive record. Their last game against Bournemouth was another setback, with a 3-1 loss that only intensified their relegation worries.
Manager Russell Martin expressed his disappointment post-match, indicating a need for urgent changes to turn their form around. Southampton’s away record has also been a concern, as they’ve lost six consecutive top-flight matches on the road, conceding three or more goals in five of those games.
However, Southampton’s offense does show potential, with an ability to score in away games. The Saints have managed to find the net in their last four competitive away matches. Players like Che Adams and Samuel Edozie can pose a threat with their speed and movement, especially on the counter-attack.
Key Player to Watch – Taylor Harwood-Bellis:
The young center-back will be crucial in this fixture, especially considering Arsenal’s set-piece proficiency. Harwood-Bellis has a knack for heading and could also provide a threat on set-pieces at the other end. His defensive awareness will be vital to Southampton’s ability to contain Arsenal’s dynamic attack.
Southampton’s Weaknesses:
Southampton’s biggest concern is their defense, which has conceded 12 goals in six matches this season. Their lack of organization at the back and vulnerability in handling crosses or set-pieces makes them easy targets. Additionally, Southampton’s midfield has struggled to retain possession, limiting their ability to build sustained attacks.
Tactical Analysis:
Arsenal’s Approach:
Expect Arsenal to maintain high possession, as they will likely look to control the tempo and break down Southampton’s defense with sharp passes and overlapping runs from full-backs like Ben White.
Arteta’s side will aim to capitalize on Southampton’s defensive lapses, using set-pieces and quick combinations near the box to create openings. Declan Rice’s role in the midfield will be crucial for transitions, helping Arsenal recover the ball quickly and keep the pressure on Southampton.
Southampton’s Approach:
Southampton’s best chance is to play a compact, counter-attacking game. Manager Russell Martin may opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with two holding midfielders to shield the defense and prevent Arsenal from finding too many gaps.
Quick outlets like Che Adams and Edozie could be deployed to exploit Arsenal on the break. Southampton may also take advantage of set-piece situations, as Arsenal has occasionally been caught off-guard in dead-ball scenarios.
Head-to-Head and Match Stats:
Arsenal boasts an impressive home record against Southampton, having gone unbeaten in their last 28 home encounters with the Saints in the Premier League.
The last time Southampton picked up a point at the Emirates was in a 3-3 thriller in April 2023. Historically, Arsenal has dominated this fixture, and their current form suggests that they’re likely to continue their impressive record against Southampton.
Interesting Stat: Arsenal has not trailed at halftime in a home Premier League game in 2024, which shows their ability to control games right from the start.
Predicted Lineups:
Arsenal (4-3-3):
– Goalkeeper: Ramsdale
– Defense: White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko
– Midfield: Rice, Havertz, Jorginho
– Attack: Saka, Nketiah, Trossard
Southampton (4-2-3-1):
– Goalkeeper: McCarthy
– Defense: Bree, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Walker-Peters
– Midfield: Smallbone, Lavia
– Attack: Edozie, Armstrong, Elyounoussi
– Striker: Adams
Final Prediction:
Given the contrasting forms of both teams, Arsenal heads into this fixture as the overwhelming favorite. Their impressive home record, strong defense, and scoring options make them a formidable opponent for any team, let alone one struggling as much as Southampton.
The Saints may put up a fight, but Arsenal’s firepower and confidence are likely to overpower Southampton’s leaky defense.
Prediction: Arsenal Vs. Southampton: Over 2.5 (1.5 – Safer Side)
