Southampton Finds Themselves Firmly in the Spotlight Against Arsenal
By Douglas Smith
@DFresh39
Getty Images
Week 14, the Premier League continues with midweek games as a battle for top four kicks off at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday. Southampton has the perfect opportunity to rebound from their loss over the weekend as they travel to take on Arsenal.
No one believes that Southampton is as good as their start to the season. If they get a result against Arsenal, it could change the opinion of some naysayers. For Arsenal, a loss will be written off as another chapter in the underwhelming season while a win is just history repeating itself. Therefore, all eyes are on Southampton.
Southampton were blanked by defending champion Manchester City for just their third loss of the season. The two teams flipped positions in the table after the weekend. Now with wins by Manchester United and West Ham on Tuesday, the gap has closed to one and two points, respectively, with those teams. Arsenal is six points back of Southampton. Now is the time for Southampton to show that they belong in the top four discussion.
Meanwhile, the narrative at Arsenal has included calling for the job of Arsene Wenger. It may be the first time in years that there is a question of stability at Arsenal. On the opposite side of the coin, they are expected to win, especially since they have never lost at home to Southampton in Premier League competition. Arsenal has 11 wins and four draws in this matchup at home. Yet, they are 11 points worse off than they were at the same time last year. Strangely enough, Arsenal finds itself in a no-win situation. Winning this match either conforms to history or maintains inconsistency.
Southampton will play Manchester United and Chelsea after Arsenal, so this is a potential breaking point. They could quickly fall out of the top four and make the first 12 weeks of the season feel like the distant past. After a summer fire sale, this team was not supposed to be more than a mid-level team. It is time to show what they are made of and everybody is watching.
Douglas Smith is a soccer writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DFresh39, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.
Related:
Bold Predictions: Chelsea vs Tottenham
Biggest Surprises for Everton So Far This Season
Everton have left themselves with work to do after a slower than anticipated start to this season, and here are the five biggest surprises of the Toffees' season so far. Read More
5 Biggest Surprises of Sunderland's Season So Far
Sunderland have had a dramatic first 15 games in the 2014-15 EPL season, and these are the five biggest surprises of their season so far. Read More
5 Predictions For Bayern Munich vs. CSKA Moscow
Having already advanced to the Knockout Stage of the UEFA Champions League, Bayern Munich face a resilient CSKA Moscow side that will be desperate for points in this contest. Read More
5 Bold Predictions For Galatasaray vs. Arsenal
Despite their poor league form, Arsenal will look to continue their winning ways in the UEFA Champions League as they enter a difficult environment to take on Galatasaray. Read More
DeLaGarza Is Most Deserving MLS Cup Champion
After the death of his newborn son, A.J. DeLaGarza has shown courage and versatility on the field that makes him the LA Galaxy's most deserving MLS Cup Champion. Read More
Donovan's Remarkable Career Comes To Fitting End
Landon Donovan's career came full circle as he collected his sixth title. He is the greatest U.S. soccer player of all time. Read More
LA Galaxy Could Very Well Be MLS Dynasty
Are the LA Galaxy the MLS' first dynasty? Read More
Where Did It All Go Wrong For Altidore?
He's the national team's target man. He tore up the Dutch league. But what went so drastically wrong for Jozy Altidore? Read More
5 Biggest Surprises For Southampton So Far
Southampton have had a whirlwind season to date, but what's been the biggest surprise of it all? Find out here. Read More
5 Bold Predictions For Aston Villa vs. Leicester
Sunday sees Aston Villa clash with Leicester at Villa Park. Who will come out on top? Find out here. Read More
Is Chelsea Losing A Good Sign?
The hopes for an unbeaten season for Chelsea have been dashed this weekend at the hands of Newcastle United. However, find out why this isn’t necessarily a bad thing for Chelsea. Read More
5 Bold Predictions For West Ham vs. Swansea
It's West Ham United vs. Swansea on Sunday. Who will emerge the happier of the two come the full-time whistle? Read More