Pain in the Arsenal
Fansided

3 reasons why Arsenal must dominate West Ham & Southampton

By Charles Binns

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal on the bench before the UEFA Europa League round of 16 leg two match between Arsenal FC and Sporting CP at Emirates Stadium on March 16, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal on the bench before the UEFA Europa League round of 16 leg two match between Arsenal FC and Sporting CP at Emirates Stadium on March 16, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images) /
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The Gunners have perpetually hushed the doubters this term. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
The Gunners have perpetually hushed the doubters this term. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

3. Prove the critics wrong

During last season’s pursuit of the top four spots, Arsenal were accused of bottling their Champions League opportunity. Many fans of Arsenal and opposition alike suspected that the breakdown came at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and St. James’ Park. While a top-five finish was by no means a failure for the Gunners, hindsight is indeed 20/20.

The real dagger to the ambitious champions league push came in a three-game skid against Crystal Palace, Brighton and Southampton. Although Arsenal followed the disappointing results with a four-game win streak, in the end, the damage had already been done. The stakes are even higher this season and, once again, Southampton stand between Arteta and glory. Arsenal fans should not be too worried as this year the team is different with a bolstered squad and mentality. The Gunners should pass this test with flying colours.

Saka has stated that the team look at the trip to the Etihad later this month as a cup final but the Gunners must take care of business in the two fixtures leading up to the highest-stakes game Gooners have witnessed in many years. If Arsenal can take six points against the Saints and Hammers, a win at the Etihad will make all the difference.

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