Arsenal vs Southampton: There’s an elephant in the room

Arsenal can’t lose, it’s that simple, and there is a lot of belief in their new momentum, but there is a massive elephant at St. Mary’s and it needs to be put away.

Arsenal has been desperate for some kind of momentum these past few months. Crucial points have been dropped in utterly devastating fashion as the Gunners have capitulated to some rather pathetic efforts.

After dispensing of Manchester United at the Emirates, there is, naturally a bit more optimism. Perhaps this time is the the time that the momentum gets established. Unlike the past five times.

But there is one major factor that should cue a fresh helping of nerves, and that is the glaringly unfortunate fact that this match is not at the Emirates.

Even Arsene Wenger has admitted that away from home this year, the Gunners have had their struggles. In these past six or so months, that has been a huge understatement .

In the Premier League, going back to mid-December, the Gunners have played ten away matches. They have won just two of them, drawn one and lost the other seven. And it hasn’t been that close either – the losses that is.

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In those ten games they have scored 15 goals and surrendered 22. They are surrendering 2.2 goals per match away from home lately. That is absolutely disgusting and wreaks of poor defense. But there is so much more to it than that.

As we know, the Gunners lack a certain desire at times, and at no time more than away from home. Recently, matches against West Brom and Crystal Palace have to stand out when thinking of just how bad it can get.

Southampton, like West Brom and Crystal Palace, boasts a sturdy defense. They are content to invite the pressure to their doorstep and then strike quickly on the counter.

The Saints will absolutely not make this easy, even despite the fact that they don’t have anything to play for. This all comes down to how much Arsenal want it, because recent history would suggest that they are going to spend 90 minutes hitting their head against a wall and leave St. Mary’s frustrated and unfulfilled.

However, it must be stated that since that 3-4-3 formation change, it has taken a more positive turn. The Gunners fought to a tough win at Boro and while the Spurs did end up bearing us, it wasn’t as lopsided as they want us to believe. One goal was a lucky rebound, one was a penalty.

Next: Arsenal's Predicted Starting XI To Face Southampton

Hardly a capitulation like we are used to.