By Arsenal aim to extend their unbeaten streak to 16 games across all competitions as they host struggling Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners enter the match buoyed by a midweek 2-0 Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain, while Southampton suffered a 3-1 defeat to South Coast rivals Bournemouth in their last outing.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s relaxed demeanor following the PSG win reflected the team’s recent form, which has them sitting third in the Premier League table, just one point behind leaders Liverpool and Manchester City.
“We’re in a good moment, but we need to stay focused,” Arteta said in his pre-match press conference. “Southampton will be desperate for points, and we can’t underestimate them.”
A victory on Saturday would mark Arsenal’s 400th Premier League home win, a milestone only Manchester United has achieved thus far with 426.
Southampton, meanwhile, find themselves in the relegation zone, kept off the bottom only by Wolverhampton Wanderers’ inferior goal difference. Manager Russell Martin faces mounting pressure after a string of poor results.
“We know it’s a tough place to go, but we have to believe in ourselves,” Martin told reporters. “Arsenal are a quality side, but we’ve had some success against them in recent meetings.”
The Saints are winless in their last three Premier League matches against Arsenal, though they haven’t lost at the Emirates since 2020.
Both teams enter the match with injury concerns. Arsenal are dealing with a full-back crisis, with Oleksandr Zinchenko, Kieran Tierney, and Takehiro Tomiyasu sidelined. Ben White and Jurrien Timber are also doubtful.
Southampton will be without defender Jack Stephens, serving a suspension, while goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu and forward Kamaldeen Sulemana remain out with injuries.
The match could see former Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale face his old club for the first time since his move to Southampton.
Arsenal’s Kai Havertz will look to continue his impressive home form, aiming to become the first Gunners player since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in 2019 to score in five consecutive Premier League games at the Emirates.
As Arsenal push for a Champions League spot and Southampton fight to avoid relegation, the clash at the Emirates promises to be a compelling encounter in the Premier League’s weekend lineup.
