What a crazy and unpredictable season its been. It's been awhile since we've had this sort of unpredictability in the Premier League as not a single team is running away with it. It's evident that just about anyone can beat everyone. This season has been one that I've thoroughly enjoyed as a neutral fan (I've had to be a "neutral" to keep my mental health in check). As an Arsenal fan however, things weren't pretty at the beginning of the season. From the highs of beating United away to the lows of losing to the likes of Burnley at home, its safe to say that its been one heck of a rollercoaster ride. Things do look to have taken a turn however as Mikel Arteta has turned to the youths to drag us out of the trenches. Some say it was more of a decision that was forced rather than voluntary.
With the introduction of Smith Rowe, our attacking play has improved tremendously. The ball movement in the final third has been really quick and fluid. Smith Rowe has been that missing piece we've needed for much of this season. We were missing someone who could link play between the defence and attack. For the majority of the games in November and December, the front three looked isolated from the rest of the team. The only style of play we had were long balls over the top and lofting balls in from the left hand side with no real precision. With no target man upfront, we were never going to score goals through this style of play. The movement in the final third was lackluster, slow and ineffective. Often failing to break teams down who sit deep with two banks of four, we needed some form of change, be it in terms of tactics or personnel or both. The inclusion of Smith Rowe has been a breath of fresh air for Gooners as we finally seem to have some sort of cutting edge in the opposition's half.
Up next is Southampton, a team that we should be rather familiar with by now. Having been knocked out by them in the 4th round of the FA Cup, I expect us to get some revenge. I do expect us to make significant changes to the lineup, with the likes of Tierney, Partey, Saka and Smith Rowe returning. We have been in decent form in the Premier League and I expect us to continue that with a win today. I'd like to see us come out with greater intensity and tenacity right from the get go. We know what to expect from Southampton who play a very good brand football under the stewardship of Ralph Hasenhüttl. We will need to be wary of the likes of Danny Ings, Walcott and James Ward-Prowse. I'm confident that we can deal with the set-pieces from Ward-Prowse as our central defenders have been in good form. Overall, I'd like to see us be on the front foot for the full 90 and not leave it till its too late.
Predicted starting XI: Leno, Cedric, Holding, Luiz, Tierney, Partey, Xhaka, Smith Rowe, Saka, Martinelli, Lacazette.
Score prediction: 2-1 to the Arsenal
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