Arsenal vs.Southampton: Preview, Odds, Predictions (April 21)

Initial Thoughts

Arsenal are making it hard for themselves as they chase a first Premier League title since 2003/04. Against a team fighting for their EPL status, and with a trip to Etihad on the horizon, will the Gunners fluff their lines again?

The Narrative 

It had all started so well….

1-0 up through Gabriel Jesus in the 7th minute, with the Brazilian striker scoring his fourth goal in three games after returning from injury earlier this month. Then a sweetly hit volley from Captain Fantastic Martin Odegaard to make it 2-0 to the Gunners inside ten minutes.

Arteta’s side looked sure to regain their six point lead over Manchester City last weekend. But instead, Arsenal saw their title challenge thrown into question as West Ham battled their way back into the game - first through Benrahma’s 33rd minute penalty and then Jarrod Bowen’s 54th minute equalizer.

Even worse, Michail Antonio could have won it for the Hammers in the dying seconds, and Mikel Arteta was probably glad to come away from the London Stadium with a solitary point on Sunday.

It was the second time on the bounce that Arsenal had surrendered a two goal lead, after a thrilling encounter at Anfield a week earlier. And it means the Gunners have seen their lead at the top of the table cut to just four points, with Manchester City having a game in hand on their southern rivals.

The top two sides will meet at the Etihad on April 26th, in a match that could ultimately decide the title, and Mikel Arteta will be desperate to arrive in that matchup having taken maximum points from Friday night’s visit game against Southampton.

Nuts and Bolts 

Now on their third manager of the season, Southampton lost seven of Nathan Jones’ eight games in charge after the Welshman took over from Ralph Hasenhüttl back in November.

Rubén Sellés came on board in February and since then results have improved, with Southampton racking up wins against Chelsea and Leicester City and sharing the points at Old Trafford and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Saints are bottom of the Premier League table, and they’re winless in their last seven after suffering three straight defeats on the bounce.

But just four points short of 17th placed Everton, there’s still more than enough time to beat the drop, with seven games still to play this season.

Southampton held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw when they last met back in October, and Sellés’ side have generally put on better performances away from home this campaign. 

The big question here is whether Arsenal can hold their nerve. Arteta’s side are getting into the habit of making bright starts to games, only to cave in when pressure is applied and opposing teams threaten to get back into the game.

The stakes couldn't be higher for the Gunners ahead of their trip to Etihad next week. That kind of pressure will either make you or break you. And on the evidence of the last two matches, the Gunners look like a Gerrard-esque slip up could be in the cards….

Homestand Picks

All odds courtesy of Northstar Bets

Gabriel Jesus anytime goals (-107)

With four goals in his last three matches, we’re backing the Brazilian to find the net against the Saints.

Theo Walcott Over 0.5 shots on target ( +175)

Walcott raised his game to get a goal and an assist against Tottenham last month. Could the ex-Gunner do the same against his former club on Friday?

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