3 Key Battles (Arsenal vs. Southampton): Can Koscielny Nullify Austin?

Arsenal vs. Southampton: 3 Key Battles

Arsenal will be hopeful of a better performance in the Premier League as they take on Southampton at the Emirates. The last time the Gunners took on a side at home, they were defeated by Chelsea thanks to a Diego Costa goal. Arsenal though should see the return of Per Mertesacker, who served his one match ban in the win over Burnley during the FA Cup.

Southampton last played in the Premier League against Manchester United and recorded a famous 1-0 win at Old Trafford thanks to a late header from Charlie Austin, on his debut. The Saints have turned their season around with three consecutive wins as they look for a place in Europe.

Arsenal though will be looking to close the gap down on league leaders Leicester and a win over the Saints would give them a huge lift for the rest of the season. With Alexis Sanchez back to full fitness, he could be in line to make a start against the south coast team. We look ahead to an intriguing tie and share the three key battles for the game.

1. Laurent Koscielny vs. Charlie Austin

Charlie Austin announced his entry into Premier League football with Southampton thanks to a textbook header than gave his side all three points against Manchester United. The forward was barely on for a few minutes before he struck the winner.

Laurent Koscielny will have his hands full in dealing with a striker that knows where the back of the net is. Austin doesn’t have the pace to burn past the Arsenal defence but if the centre-backs are not touch tight to the English forward, he will make them pay.

2. Olivier Giroud vs. Virgil van Dijk

Olivier Giroud didn’t play the entire game against Chelsea as he was substituted for another defender. The French attacker though has been one of the best forwards this season and already has 18 goals to his name, just one shy of his overall tally last season. Giroud would be critical with his aerial prowess and finishing for Arsenal but he could go head-to-head with an impressive Southampton defender.

Virgil van Dijk might have crossed from the Scottish border but his performances have shown that he can play in the Premier League but can also star in it. Southampton might have lost out on Toby Alderweireld in the summer but van Dijk has been more than an able replacement for him and this could be a test of his ability as he faces an Olivier Giroud who is looking to prove a point or two.

3. Mesut Ozil vs. Victor Wanyama

The Arsenal attacker was one of the players who had an off day against Chelsea, he was also shackled extremely well by a well-disciplined Chelsea team and that is exactly what Southampton would have to do to nullify his effect on the game.

The onus on keeping the German quiet in the game would fall on the capable Victor Wanyama. The Southampton midfielder might have had a slow start to the season but recent performances have shown that the 24-year-old Kenyan is back to doing what he does best and that is destroying the opposition.