Match Pack: Arsenal vs Saints
The final game before the October international break sees a trip to the capital, as Southampton visit Arsenal in the Premier League. Get set for the game with our Match Pack...
THE MATCH
Arsenal vs Saints
Premier League
Emirates Stadium
Saturday 5th October, 3pm BST
THE OFFICIALS
Referee: Tony Harrington
Assistants: Darren Cann, Derek Eaton
Fourth official: Josh Smith
VAR: Michael Salisbury
Assistant VAR: Ian Hussin
WHICH KIT WILL SAINTS BE WEARING?
For a second successive game Saints will be wearing their yellow away strip for the trip to North London.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
As we approach another international break, Russell Martin's side will be looking for a much-needed boost by continuing their recent good form at Emirates Stadium.
The last time Saints were in the top division they were unbeaten against Arsenal, drawing 1-1 at St Mary's and in entertaining fashion with a 3-3 in North London.
TEAM NEWS
Martin will be without captain Jack Stephens for a further two games starting on Saturday following an FA hearing this week. The defender has already missed the customary three games for his straight red card against Manchester United in mid-September.
The manager also said his side will be without duo Will Smallbone and Kamaldeen, who continue to recover from injuries. The pair are aiming to rejoin the squad following the break.
THE MANAGERS
Mikel Arteta: To follow.
Russell Martin: "We watched them on Tuesday night and they were outstanding. What Mikel and his coaching staff have done at that club is incredible. But they had some real pain early on to get there.
"We have real clarity in what we want to do and it’s not a completely different style to Arsenal, different but a lot of similarities. They’re a real testament to perseverance and clarity and what it can bring you."
TOP SCORERS
Arsenal
Goals:
Kai Havertz 5
Saka, Gabriel, Nwaneri, Trossard 2
Five players 1
Assists:
Bukayo Saka 5
Gabriel Martinelli 2
Five players 1
Southampton
Goals:
Archer, Harwood-Bellis 2
Five players 1
Assists:
Dibling, Taylor, Lallana 2
Fernandes 1
ONES TO WATCH
Kai Havertz: The German has been invigorated by Arteta since joining last summer, continuing his fine form into this season with five goals in nine games.
If the German finds the scoresheet on Saturday he will equal Robin van Persie's record of scoring in seven successive Emirates Stadium matches.
Adam Lallana: In a game against opposition as confident as Arsenal the experience of the squad's senior players will be vital.
Lallana impressed once again after coming off the bench at Bournemouth, his leadership skills likely to be necessary if Saints are to come away with a positive result.
HEAD TO HEAD
Played: 106
Arsenal: 53
Draws: 30
Saints: 23
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
April 2023: Arsenal 3-3 Saints (Alcaraz, Walcott, Ćaleta-Car)
October 2022: Saints 1-1 Arsenal (S.Armstrong)
April 2022: Saints 1-0 Arsenal (Bednarek)
December 2021: Arsenal 3-0 Saints
January 2021: Saints 1-3 Arsenal (S.Armstrong)
DID YOU KNOW?
- If Aaron Ramsdale starts he will become the ninth goalkeeper to play against Arsenal in the Premier League having previously played for them in the competition
- Arsenal are winless in their last three Premier League meetings with Southampton (D2 L1), drawing both games the last time Saints were in the division in 2022-23.
KEEP UP TO DATE
Can't make it to Emirates Stadium? Check out our interactive match centre at southamptonfc.com, with live streaming of the game, key updates and audio commentary of the match, and be sure to download the official Saints app and follow us on social media for further updates and exclusive content:
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