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11.12.21 - 16:00 CET
Just a reminder that Arsenal had 0 points after 3 rounds and a score of 0:9. Well, then the quality of Arsenal's packed bench must have shown in the results and Arsenal went up in the table. But...
But in the last 4 games, Arsenal have 3 losses and only 1 win against a weak Newcastle. The debacle at Liverpool probably hurt the most, where Arsenal got a 4. Well, considering that Arsenal had already experienced a similar drubbing at that unlucky start of the season (they lost 0-5 with Manchester City), perhaps it wasn't such a big shock for them. When Liverpool have a good day, anyone is at danger (e.g. Manchester United 0:5 Liverpool and even at Old Trafford, United's ground.
And the other two defeats? Those were more unfortunate than deserved. At Manchester, they took the lead, the home side equalised by half-time and then went ahead. Arsenal still managed to equalise at 2-2, but United have Ronaldo, who eventually decided the game in the home side's favour. Otherwise, though, Arsenal were at least United's equal opponent, if not better. They won on shots and possession. But that's not what you play for and they came away empty handed. And that last loss at Everton? They took the lead there too with a Martin Ødegaard goal just before the break. They held the lead until the 79th minute. Richarlison equalised. But Arsenal didn't even hold that draw, as Demarai Gray, who was a big part of that first goal, scored the winning goal in the 92nd minute.
No, I don't believe Arsenal are in any sort of crisis again. Their gameplay is good, the squad is above standard. That's why I believe that they will be able to beat Southampton and jump from the 7th place in the table, where they are now, towards the cup.
Southampton are not doing well at all, they are now in 16th place and are starting to look down the relegation places (now only 6 points away). They haven't won their last 4 games, they've only got 2 points from 2 draws. They concede 4 goals from Liverpool and even before that, they lost to tragic Norwich, who are last.
I think Arsenal will bounce back from those two defeats. The home ground and Southampton are the perfect opportunity to do so. After all, Arsenal are particularly strong at home - their last 8 home games (6x PL and 2x cup), they have a 7-1-0 with a 17-4 score. The large majority of Arsenal's points this year have come at home - 16 points out of 23. Southampton, on the other hand, have won just 5 points away this season.
Xhaka has returned to the Arsenal squad after a knee injury. Goalkeeper Leno is injured, but he has been very well replaced by the much better Aaron Ramsdale at number one. We'll see if Rowe, who was missing at Everton, is fit. He is listed as injured but I read that Arteta hopes to be fit for this game.
Anyway Arsenal have a wide squad and should be able to beat Southampton.
Prediction:
Arsenal @ 1.66 (bet365)
Just a reminder that Arsenal had 0 points after 3 rounds and a score of 0:9. Well, then the quality of Arsenal's packed bench must have shown in the results and Arsenal went up in the table. But...
But in the last 4 games, Arsenal have 3 losses and only 1 win against a weak Newcastle. The debacle at Liverpool probably hurt the most, where Arsenal got a 4. Well, considering that Arsenal had already experienced a similar drubbing at that unlucky start of the season (they lost 0-5 with Manchester City), perhaps it wasn't such a big shock for them. When Liverpool have a good day, anyone is at danger (e.g. Manchester United 0:5 Liverpool and even at Old Trafford, United's ground.
And the other two defeats? Those were more unfortunate than deserved. At Manchester, they took the lead, the home side equalised by half-time and then went ahead. Arsenal still managed to equalise at 2-2, but United have Ronaldo, who eventually decided the game in the home side's favour. Otherwise, though, Arsenal were at least United's equal opponent, if not better. They won on shots and possession. But that's not what you play for and they came away empty handed. And that last loss at Everton? They took the lead there too with a Martin Ødegaard goal just before the break. They held the lead until the 79th minute. Richarlison equalised. But Arsenal didn't even hold that draw, as Demarai Gray, who was a big part of that first goal, scored the winning goal in the 92nd minute.
No, I don't believe Arsenal are in any sort of crisis again. Their gameplay is good, the squad is above standard. That's why I believe that they will be able to beat Southampton and jump from the 7th place in the table, where they are now, towards the cup.
Southampton are not doing well at all, they are now in 16th place and are starting to look down the relegation places (now only 6 points away). They haven't won their last 4 games, they've only got 2 points from 2 draws. They concede 4 goals from Liverpool and even before that, they lost to tragic Norwich, who are last.
I think Arsenal will bounce back from those two defeats. The home ground and Southampton are the perfect opportunity to do so. After all, Arsenal are particularly strong at home - their last 8 home games (6x PL and 2x cup), they have a 7-1-0 with a 17-4 score. The large majority of Arsenal's points this year have come at home - 16 points out of 23. Southampton, on the other hand, have won just 5 points away this season.
Xhaka has returned to the Arsenal squad after a knee injury. Goalkeeper Leno is injured, but he has been very well replaced by the much better Aaron Ramsdale at number one. We'll see if Rowe, who was missing at Everton, is fit. He is listed as injured but I read that Arteta hopes to be fit for this game.
Anyway Arsenal have a wide squad and should be able to beat Southampton.
Prediction:
Arsenal @ 1.66 (bet365)
