Arsenal will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to six games when they take on Southampton on Thursday. The Gunners have shown plenty of grit and determination in their last couple of games and will be looking to make 11-straight League games against Saints without defeat. Although the South Coast side let a lead slip, Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea was the first point that Southampton had taken off last season’s top four. And they will be looking to build on that momentum and beat Arsenal for only the fifth time in the Premier League. Here are the three key battles that will decide the game.
Jose Fonte vs Danny Welbeck
Ever since Southampton’s promotion to the top-flight, there has been one player who has stood firm and remained the base on which the expansive, attractive style of football has been played. And that player is Jose Fonte. One of the reasons why the Saints have had eight clean sheets this season has been the central defender from Portugal, who has not only been solid, but has also proven to be a tremendous leader of the backline.
Fonte will have his task cut out for him against Welbeck, who will be keen to show Arsene Wenger that he deserves a starting spot ahead of Olivier Giroud, when the Frenchman returns from his three-match ban. Although he only has four League goals to his name, the 24-year-old shows just how useful he is, especially on the counter-attack in tough away games. If the Englishman can drag the defenders out of place, then he will create opportunities not just for himself, but others as well, which will make their job of claiming a victory that much more easier.
Alexis Sanchez vs Ryan Bertrand
Arsenal might only be fifth in the table, but their position would be much worse, if it weren’t for Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean has been at the center of everything good that the Gunners have done this season. The fact that nobody has managed more goals or assists than the 26-year-old isn’t particularly surprising and once again, he will be key if the visitors are to break down the second-best defense in the League.
The player who will have the arduous task of marking him will be Ryan Bertrand. The 25-year-old, who was ineligible to play against Chelsea on Sunday will be back to go toe-to-toe with arguably the League’s most threatening right winger at the moment. If Bertrand can keep Sanchez quiet, it will go a long way towards ensuring that the Saints don’t repeat their 1-0 loss at the Emirates in December.
Dusan Tadic vs Santi Cazorla
With the game likely to be a tight, tense encounter, the pressure will be on the play makers of both sides, to unlock the defense and create opportunities for the striker. For Arsenal, that responsibility will rest on the shoulders of Santi Cazorla, who, after a disappointing start has started to come good in December. The Spaniard’s poise and control will be crucial if the Gunners are to find a way through a defense that will be difficult to break down.
For the hosts, Dusan Tadic, a player who has flourished since his move to England will be the creator-in-chief. Although he has slightly gone off the boil in the past few weeks, the Serbian still has plenty in his armory, that on his day, will be enough to win the game for the Saints. Whoever comes out on top in this battle of the play making wizards will decide the number of chances that are created, which in turn, will be crucial in deciding who gets the decisive goal that snatches all three points.