Southampton host Arsenal at St Mary’s Stadium in the final game of the Premier League season, in a game that is unlikely to mean too much for either side. The Saints’ relegation was confirmed at the beginning of April, while the Gunners can only finish second or third, with Champions League qualification secured.
By Matt Smith
When the two sides met earlier in the season, Arsenal secured the three points with a 3-1 victory. Southampton gave them a scare as Cameron Archer opened the scoring, but Mikel Arteta’s side turned things around.

Team news
Southampton interim boss Simon Rusk confirmed that Taylor Harwood-Bellis will miss out, while Jan Bednarek is also struggling with injury. It will leave Southampton short of options at the back, hampering their already leaky defence.
News emerged this week that Jurrien Timber has undergone surgery on his ankle, and Arteta confirmed the situation in his press conference. The Spanish manager also ruled out William Saliba, while he was pleased to see Kai Havertz return in recent weeks.
Southampton a disaster at both ends
It’s certainly been a season to forget for the Saints. Gaining promotion back to the Premier League was a huge boost for the club, but they’ve struggled to lay a glove on the majority of sides they’ve faced this term.

The Saints have kept just three clean sheets all season, conceding more and scoring fewer than every side in the Premier League. It’s no surprise that Southampton were relegated with seven games to play, becoming the first club to be relegated that early in the campaign.
Arsenal fall short in title race
Although the Gunners sit in second place, Liverpool winning the league was a foregone conclusion for a while. Arteta’s side continued their phenomenal defensive record this season, but it’s in the final third where they’ve massively struggled.

Arsenal have created just 59.2 expected goals this term, ranking them seventh in the league for this metric. The lack of a natural goalscorer has come back to bite them. Although their attacking options have all contributed, they’ve missed that 20-goal striker to help them over the line.
Saka isn’t firing on all cylinders
Bukayo Saka has been a crucial player for Arsenal since emerging through the academy a few years ago. Missing half the season due to injury, the Gunners have missed his output in the final third, but it’s safe to say he’s not been the same player since returning from injury.
The England international has scored just once in the Premier League since returning, while failing to provide an assist. Arteta will be desperately hoping the injury hasn’t impacted him too much, and a full pre-season can see him get back to his best.
Prediction
Although the game doesn’t mean an awful lot for Arsenal, they will still be looking to finish as runners-up. The club will benefit financially, while it’s also a chance to end the season on a high. Southampton have picked up just 12 points this season, so we’re going for a comfortable 3-0 win to the Gunners.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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