Former Premier League player and BBC sports pundit Mark Lawrenson believes Arsenal might not be able to pull off a win against Southampton on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta’s side have faced back-to-back defeats against Crystal Palace and Brighton and Hove Albion in their last two Premier League outings.
While Palace whitewashed Arsenal 3-0, Brighton edged out the Gunners 2-0 last week. After a good recovery in February and March, Arsenal have lost momentum again. They have lost three of their last four league games and are currently back in fifth place in the league table.
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They will face a motivated Southampton side this weekend after the Saints were thrashed 6-0 by Chelsea in their last Premier League game.
The Gunners will also be without key players in Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney, who have both been ruled out through injury.
Lawrenson explained that injuries combined with poor form could see them muster only a 1-1 draw at St. Mary’s this week.
In his column for BBChe wrote:
“Southampton have lost five of their last six games in all competitions but, with three defeats out of four, Arsenal are also reeling. The Gunners are without Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney and they really miss them. I don’t look at them and think they are going to go to St Mary’s and win.”
Southampton clash, a match that Arsenal must win
The Gunners have some tough encounters as the battle for the top four gets more intense. Tottenham Hotspur are currently three points ahead of them, although Spurs have played an extra game.
Arteta’s men will face Manchester United and Chelsea after their match against Southampton. Tottenham Hotspur will face Brighton and Hove Albion this weekend.
The two North London rivals have yet to meet this year in the Premier League.
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The Gunners have a good record against the Saints, having lost just once in the last five meetings between the two sides. They will be willing to take advantage of that to keep their hopes of finishing in the top four this season.
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