Southampton return to North London for the 3rd time already this season. The South Coast club couldn't get one over their former manager who's now dishing out orders at White Hart Lane but they made amends when a Nathaniel Clyne daisy cutter threw tonight's opponents (Arsenal) out of the league cup. It will be a different kettle of fish when they walk out to the Emirates turf. The Saints will be looking to avoid going three games without a win. 3 games ago, they had an 8-1-2 record and were sitting comfortably in 2nd place, looking to pose a challenge to leaders Chelsea. Now, they find themselves in third place after drawing at Villa Park and getting kicked out of their own pitch by Manchester City three days ago. 3rd place is still a very superb return for a club tipped to swim in relegation waters following the mass exodus experienced in the summer. The next run of games will prove the doubters wrong or right.
Ronald Koeman aka 'TINTIN' was one of the best defenders of his generation but he will in no way be pleased with the way his rearguard was demolished by Sergio Aguero on Sunday. The Argentine marksman didn't manage to score but on his 100th league game since he arrived England, he made mockery of the so called water tight So'ton defence by consistently disgracing the marshals. Toby Alderweireld had to move to defensive midfield when Morgan Schneiderlin succumbed to injury. Yoshida and Fonte looked flustered and knackered all through the game. A better showing is required to stiffen the back line.
Arsenal bounced back from a crushing defeat in the hands of arch enemies, Manchester United to scrape a win at the Hawthorns v the Baggies. Danny Welbeck was on hand to head home a Santi Cazorla cross in the second half. That was much needed morale boosting victory to follow the defeat of Borussia Dortmund a week ago. The Gunners can be confident of take all three points as they play at home and the Saints have lost some of their early season swashbuckling form. Underestimating the visitors may be self-inflicting as they can turn on the style and leave opposing teams in awe. With Alexis Sanchez posting some unbelievable numbers and Olivier Giroud back from a long injury layoff, Arsene can be happy with the attacking trident of the Chilean, the Frenchman and Danny Welbeck. The return of the ex-Montpellier man means that poor Danny may have to start from the wing-one of the main reasons why he ditched Manchester United. But he can be happy with his campaign so far. Vital goals have come from his boots and he is improving with every game.
Floquet de Neu was left distraught and infuriated as his team couldn't challenge Manchester City in any department. Dusan Tadic was out of sorts and looked like he was lost. The Serb couldn't stand toe to toe with Yaya Toure and co. Morgan Schneiderlin had to bow out unfortunately due to injury and will be sorely missed. The Dutch Coach has to find new and effective strategies if So'ton are to come away with anything tonight. There will be one eye on the fixture on Monday which may be a straight shoot out for 3rd position with Manchester United but it is never good to jump the gun. Jay Rodriguez will soon return to the set up. His goal scoring abilities are required because Graz Pelle seems to have gone asleep and Shane Long hasn't been sharp since the 2-0 win v the foxes- The last time the Saints scored more than one goal in the League.
Arsene's injury woes continue with Nacho Monreal and Jack Wilshere ruled out for the foreseeable future. The English man dubbed the new 'LIAM BRADY' is out for between 9-12 weeks. The return of Koscielny means the central defence is shored up. Per Mertesacker hasn't been himself in the last couple of weeks but he is still as reliable as they come. Santiago Cazorla has rediscovered himself in the last two games. The ambidextrous footballer was head and shoulders above everyone else when he first arrived. He posted double figures in goals and assists at the end of the season. If he can find that magic again, the Gunners will be better for it.
The Saints have it all to do as their record at the Emirates since regaining Premier League status has been abysmal. An 8-1 record in goals conceded/scored is testament to Arsenal's dominance of this fixture in the last two years.
LLEVAR EL EN JUEGO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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