09 December 2021, 11:43 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
The Premier League fixture, Arsenal FC vs. Southampton FC, kicks off at 16:00 (GMT+1) on Saturday, December 11, at Emirates Stadium. Referee Jarred Gillett has been selected to take the lead while the assistants, Adam Nunn and Neil Davies, will lend a helping hand. Fourth official Anthony Taylor will be in communication with the crew of six, while Michael Oliver will be the VAR.
Preview Arsenal Premier League, Dec 11, 2021
Preview Arsenal gave up a one-goal lead and picked up a 2-1 defeat in the match against Everton on Premier League Matchday 15. A half-volley from Martin Ødegaard (45'+2) had the Gunners in the lead at the stroke of halftime. Richarlison (80') had been denied on two occasions by the VAR before the wheels of fortune spun in his favor on the third attempt. - A clever looping header, off a rebound, which restored parity at Goodison Park. Contract rebel Nketia had an opportunity to restore Arsenal’s lead but failed to convert in the final moments. The tide swung right after Nketia's failure to put the ball in, leaving a blue wave of attack pouring forward. A remarkable right-footed curler from the edge of the box by Demarai Gray (90'+2) eventually condemned Arsenal to defeat. The loss left Arsenal with back-to-back defeats: WLWLL, and saw the Gunners drop two spots, from 5th to 7th place, having picked up 23 points from 7W, 2D, and 6L. With six points from a possible 15, which saw Arsenal pick up defeats to Liverpool [4-0], Manchester United [3-2] and Everton, Mikel Arteta is aiming for reinforcements in the January transfer window to strengthen the side for Arenal’s top-four ambitions. According to reports from The Sun, Arsenal could move for Georginio Wijnaldum as the PSG midfielder contemplates a Premier League return after a difficult start in France. The Paris-based club is willing to listen to offers for the 31-year-old Dutchman for a loan in January. Arteta ditched the 4—4—1—1 formation [vs. United] in favor of the 4—2—3—1 [vs. Everton], swapping Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for Alexandre Lacazette at the top of the shape. Onlookers may see the latter on Saturday once again. On availability, Emile Smith-Rowe (knock) and Gabriel Martinelli (hamstring) remain doubtful.
Preview Southampton Premier League, Dec 11, 2021
Preview Southampton picked up a 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion at St. Mary’s Stadium last weekend. The Saints dropped one spot, moving from 15th to 16th place on the Premier League table, having picked up 16 points from 3W, 7D, & 5L. The club has a form that reads: WLLDD, ahead of this fixture against Arsenal, and Ralph Hasenhüttl could be looking at another point. Armando Broja replaced the injured Stuart Armstrong (calf injury) in Hasenhüttl’s 4—4—2 formation for the game against the Seagulls. He is expected to do the same on Saturday against Arsenal.