Arsenal vs Southampton Preview: The Measuring Stick

Prior to last week, I wasn’t looking forward to this game at all. Southampton were clearly playing at a much higher level than Arsenal and even die heart Arsenal fans would admit this game will be very tough. I always call games like this, the measuring stick because we get to find out whether Arsenal’s recent performances are for real. Personally, I can see Arsenal winning this game, but it won’t be pretty and there will be more goals than this past weekend.

Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Southampton

1) Balance in the 4-3-3

The balance Arsenal was able to achieve while deploying what looked like a 4-3-3 against West Brom is one of the largest taking points. It has been a while since I have seen this Arsenal team keep its shape and show a nice balance between attacking and defending. With Sanchez, Giroud, and Welbeck up front, the Arsenal attack has a large target to help control possession up front, while playing fast, skilled strikers on either side. It was wonderful to see Wenger change things up, and let’s hope this formation is going to be the winning formula.

Sep 6, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Chile forward Alexis Sanchez (7) controls the ball ahead of Mexico midfielder Jose Juan Vazquez (15) during the first half at Levi

2) Laurent Koscielny

The difference Koscielny makes can not be described in numbers. All you have to see is how Per Mertesacker plays when Koscielny is next to him in the back four. Koscielny has the speed and intelligence this team has been missing. He can track the opponents best strikers and shadow them step for step without fouling them, something Calum Chambers has to improve at. With Koscielny regaining his fitness with each passing game, we should look forward to more solid defensive displays from this Arsenal team.

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3) Aaron Ramsey

Although there is nothing to suggest this, but I think we will slowly see Ramsey play a more complete game in the coming weeks. Ramsey has flashed moments of brilliance and has been crucial to the team but I feel like it is only a matter of time before he steps up his game and shows us some of that brilliance we saw last year. This game is perfect for Ramsey to shine because if Wenger utilizes an attack with multiple strikers, the Southampton defense would be very preoccupied with them and it may leave Ramsey with just enough space to make a difference. We can only dream of a good performance!

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