Saints Marching
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Arsenal vs Southampton: Opposing fan’s view

By Daniel Hargraves

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 01: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Stoke City at Emirates Stadium on April 1, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 01: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Stoke City at Emirates Stadium on April 1, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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On Sunday, Saints travel to the Emirates Stadium to face an Arsenal side who’s focus may now be drifting further away from the domestic games and onto the Europa League as they seek a spot in next season’s Champions League.

The Gunners won 4-1 in the opening leg of their quarter-finals match-up this past weekend, meaning they may be confident of progression into the semis.

With that being said, Arsenal’s Mkhitaryan suffered a potentially season-ending injury this past week, handing the Saints a boost for this weekend’s fixture. The Gunners will go into the match favourites having also dispatched Stoke last weekend, but nothing can be taken for granted.

I had a chat with Arsenal fan Matt Robinson to see what’s going on at Arsenal and how the Gooner’s are feeling ahead of a tricky test for Southampton, who remain in the bottom three of the Premier League. Matt believes that his side have fallen short of expectations this campaign:

"“Personally I think this season has been the worst in recent years, away from home in the league we have been shocking resulting in where we sit in the table. Any Arsenal fan will tell you this season has been a disappointment.”"

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 01: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his sides second goal with Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal and his team mates during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Stoke City at Emirates Stadium on April 1, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 01: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his sides second goal with Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal and his team mates during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Stoke City at Emirates Stadium on April 1, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

As Matt has correctly put, the Gunners have not hit their normal high standards this season. Wenger’s side are 13 points behind the Champions League spots at the time of writing, meaning all hopes of finishing in the top four are almost certainly gone.

As a result the only real way the Gunners can qualify for the Champions League is through winning the Europa League – Matt believes the competition is therefore his side’s main focus.

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"“Of course the Europa League is our priority now, it is our only way in to the Champions League for next season and for a club as big as Arsenal Champions League football is key, especially to attract big names to the club this summer. “In terms of the league, I personally believe it will be about just getting the games done and focusing on the Europa League, similar to Manchester United last season.”"

Whilst the Saints haven’t beaten one of the league’s big six in nearly two years, the Saints have a respectable record against Arsenal since last returning to the top flight, beating them on more than opportunity in the cup. Despite this, Matt is confident his side can get a result this Sunday.

"“As an Arsenal fan I am not worried for the visit of Southampton at all, you are currently fighting for your lives at the bottom of the table, I can see this game being similar to our game against Stoke. “It may take a while for us to get ticking if Saints are up for it however in the end it will be a routine Arsenal performance so no, I can’t see this current Southampton side coming to the Emirates and getting something.”"

Next: Tadic should be dropped against Arsenal

As a result, it’s no surprise to hear that Matt, who has supported the Gunners all his life, is confident that his side will dispatch Mark Hughes’ side by more than a few goals.

"“I can see this being a walk in the park for arsenal, no disrespect to Southampton. I reckon it will be a routine performance and Arsenal will win this game 3-0.”"

Saints are still 18th but are only two points from safety and have a game in hand so points need to start being picked up soon and leaving the Emirates with something on Sunday will be a huge boost!