Fear for Arsenal with three set to overlook decider conflict with Southampton

Arsenal want to reply shortly if they’re to reassert themselves on the prime of the Premier League desk. Having held an eight level hole over Manchester Metropolis lower than two months in the past that may be lower to only one level by this time subsequent week.

It comes after the Gunners fell to a second 2-2 attract a row, giving up a two-goal lead in each away video games in opposition to West Ham and Liverpool. Each video games have been dramatic and had missed penalties however with Manchester Metropolis hotting up down the ultimate straight there isn’t any time to look again.

Mikel Arteta’s males have an opportunity to ascertain a sport between themselves and their nearest challengers as soon as extra on Friday after they welcome struggling Southampton to the Emirates Stadium. When the 2 sides met in October Saints have been simply the second staff to take any factors off Arsenal within the opening 11 video games.

Within the 20 matches since they’ve been held or crushed in six of them together with the final two journeys. They should do it with out William Saliba as properly with the Frenchman persevering with to be sidelined at this significant stage of the season.

Virtually mockingly, Pep Guardiola has turned his Metropolis facet in direction of that includes 4 centre-backs every nearly as good because the final. Though Rob Holding is a beneficial staff participant, the drop-off to Saliba is alarming and has seen Gabriel wrestle extra too.

The spectacular defender hasn’t performed for the reason that defeat to Sporting CP in March however Arteta has beforehand mentioned he’s optimistic he’ll characteristic earlier than the tip of the season. “William continues to be not out there,” he mentioned earlier than final week. “He’s progressing properly and we’re hopeful that we’ll have him out there within the subsequent few weeks. We’ll should see.”

Friday continues to be more likely to come too quickly for him whereas Oleksandr Zinchenko was additionally pressured to observe on from the sidelines on the London Stadium. “He had a muscular situation on the finish of the match at Anfield final week and he struggled in the previous couple of minutes,” Arteta mentioned of his integral Ukrainian.

“We assessed him and he wasn’t match sufficient to play, and that’s why we have now good gamers like Kieran to switch him.” Zinchenko was missed as a lot for his skill to play into the midfield as his attacking risk in opposition to West Ham.

There was a lift in that sport although as Eddie Nketiah returned, coming from the bench within the ultimate minute. “Sure [he is ready to play],” Arteta mentioned earlier than the sport. “Eddie is again. He’s totally match now and he’s again.”

Elsewhere Mohamed Elneny and Takehiro Tomiyasu are the one long-term abscentees.