Arsenal’s recent stumble in the Premier League title race has come at an inopportune moment, but they will aim to recover with a victory against struggling Southampton at the Emirates Stadium. After building a commanding 2-0 lead at Anfield two weeks ago, the Gunners let it slip and had to settle for a draw. Last weekend, they surrendered another two-goal lead at West Ham, leaving them with only a four-point advantage at the top, with Manchester City on their heels.
Nevertheless, Mikel Arteta’s squad still holds their fate in their own hands, and their game against Southampton appears to be their easiest in the run-up to the end of the season. The Saints have been in poor form lately, with only two points from their previous six league games and a 4-1 loss to City a couple of weeks ago. They are currently four points adrift of safety and running out of time for a great escape. Although they still have matches against fellow strugglers Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest to play, it’s difficult to envision them avoiding defeat at the Emirates if Arsenal returns to top form.
According to the bookies, Southampton is a significant underdog with odds of 16/1 for a win at the Emirates, while Arsenal’s best price is just 1/5 with bet365. The draw pays out at 13/2 with bet365.
Southampton has a decent record against Arsenal historically, losing only five of their previous 12 encounters. The most recent meeting earlier this season ended in a 1-1 draw at St Mary’s, while Saints were soundly beaten 3-0 on their trip to the Emirates last year.
Gabriel Jesus’ recent return to fitness is a boost for Arsenal as they head into the final stretch of the season. He has scored four times in the previous three games and is priced at 21/20 with bet365 to score in this match. Alternatively, better odds are available for over 1.5 shots on target, which is priced at 6/4 with 888sport.
