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By Graham Ruthven
Saturday’s match at the Emirates Stadium will provide a stark contrast between the two teams.
Mikel Arteta’s side come into the game on the back of an impressive 2-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League which saw Arsenal hold the French giants at arm’s length. Indeed, PSG accumulated an Expected Goals (xG) of just 0.4 on Wednesday as the Gunners once again flexed their defensive muscle.
Russell Martin will set up Southampton to control possession at the Emirates Stadium. Only Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton are averaging a higher share of possession in the Premier League this season than the Saints who have attempted to replicate the approach that won them promotion from the Championship in the top flight.
The Gunners might be quite content for Southampton to have possession if it means they have more open space to attack into. PSG had 65% of possession on Tuesday, but it was Arsenal who posed the greater attacking threat and the likes of Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka will once again be dangerous this weekend.
While Arsenal left it late to claim three points against Leicester City last weekend, the numbers suggest a winning goal was always likely to materialise. Indeed, Arsenal had 4.6 in xG, 35 shots in total and nine Big Chances against the Foxes and it’s possible Southampton could face the same sort of attacking firepower.
Martin Ødegaard is still sidelined through injury with Jurrien Timber and Ben White carrying knocks. After an injury scare against Leicester, Riccardo Calafiori shone against PSG and is expected to keep his place at left back. Further forward, Leandro Trossard has forced his way into the attacking lineup.
Southampton will be without Jack Stephens for the trip to North London after the defender was sent off against Manchester United last weekend, but will otherwise have a close-to-full squad to pick from. Even with everyone available, though, Southampton lack cutting edge having scored fewer goals (three) than any other team in the Premier League.
Aaron Ramsdale will return to the Emirates Stadium for the first time since leaving Arsenal in the summer transfer window and the goalkeeper could be in for a difficult afternoon. The Gunners have scored two or more goals in 19 of their last 24 league games and are on a run of three straight wins in all competitions. There’s a good chance that streak will continue against Southampton.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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