Southampton currently find themselves five places off the bottom of the Premier League table after three games without a victory.
A frustrating draw at home to Watford was followed by a somewhat hopeful loss at Old Trafford against Manchester United before a miserable performance at home to Sunderland was salvaged by Jay Rodriguez, who earned his side a draw. The Saints will no doubt be looking to gain at least a point in a challenging away tie against Arsenal this coming Saturday.
The North London side have kicked off this season with a few surprises. A grueling 4-3 home loss to Liverpool was as bad as it’s been, a goalless draw away to the reigning champions Leicester City followed and a convincing 3-1 away win over Watford reassured the worried Arsenal faithful.
The fixture will be Claude Puel’s first meeting with Arsene Wenger in English football. As the only two French managers in the league this season, Puel will be looking to claim bragging rights over his former mentor.
However, it will not be simple. Any away game is challenging, and especially a visit to The Emirates against an established Champions League team who will no doubt be hoping to challenge for the title once again.
But, if anyone can do it… Saints can. Puel will know Wenger better than almost every other manager in the country, whilst Southampton certainly have a reputation for upsetting Arsenal.
Here are the five key Southampton men that I feel need to impress away to the North London outfit this weekend.
