Real Football Man All of the Football, All of the time
Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez could make his first Premier League start for two months after scoring in the FA Cup on Saturday as he stepped up his return from a hamstring injury.
Tomas Rosicky suffered a thigh problem in that tie and will miss out, while Mohamed Elneny awaits his league debut.
Southampton manager Ronald Koeman hinted that recent signing Charlie Austin could make his first start.
Graziano Pelle and Steven Davis remain doubtful because of injuries.
Editor’s Note: Last time these two sides met it was a Boxing Day thrashing for Arsenal as Southampton ran out 4-0 winners, can Ronald Koeman pull of the double against Arsene Wenger’s side or can The Gunners return to winning ways
Arsene Wenger’s side have failed to win their last 3 league matches a run which has seen them slip to 3rd in the table. Level on points with Manchester City and 3 points behind leaders Leicester. They didn’t make particularly easy work of beating Championship side Burnley on Saturday but Alexis Sanchez announced his comeback with what proved to be the winning goal.
Their last League action saw them lose 1-0 to perennial bogey team Chelsea. Much was made of what was arguably the turning point of the game as Per Mertesacker was sent off for a challenge on Diego Costa. Mertesacker certainly made the wrong decision in hesitating his tackle and whether he got contact on Costa is debatable but ultimately he offered Costa the opportunity and he didn’t think twice on taking it
The substitution of Oliver Giroud after the subsequent sending off was voiced with much displeasure, did Wenger make the right decision or not. If they had managed to salvage a point then you would say yes but seemingly results dictate opinion and Arsenal lacked really cutting edge until Alexis Sanchez was thrown almost out of desperation late in the Second half
Tonight they play host to a Southampton side who have awoken out of their post Christmas slump after beating Arsenal at St Mary’s and have won their last 3 matches to see them move up to 8th in the table and back in the hunt for a possible European place.
Last time out they won 1-0 at Manchester United with debutant Charlie Austin coming off the bench to grab a late winner after only being on the pitch for 4 minutes. That Goal led to a chorus of boos at Old Trafford, if he was to repeat that feat Tonight then don’t be surprised to hear a chorus of boos at The Emirates
Southampton will be well rested after not having any F.A. Cup action to deal with last Weekend so Ronald Koeman’s side will no doubt fancy their chances of getting the better of Arsenal again but I think a 4-0 win could be out of the question.
I think Tonight will see Arsenal return to winning ways, with the news that Pep Guardiola is taking over at Manchester City next season this might be Arsene Wenger best and possibly last chance of ever winning the Premier League again they really can’t afford any more slip ups. A home win for me
