H2H: Prediction: Arsenal vs. Southampton (Premier League

Preview and Teams Comparison.

Southampton have played more Premier League away games against Arsenal without winning than any side has against another in the competition’s history (20 – W0 D5 L15).

Managing one measly shot on-target (and none in the final hour) in their last outing, Arsenal’s current points and goal-difference marks the club’s worst start to a top-flight campaign since 1982. The Gunners’ 2-0 defeat to Leicester (Nov 9) was their third successive Premier League (PL) match to see them lose the second half ‘to-nil’. 50% (three) of Arsenal’s six home league games this term have seen Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang net the last goal. Those ‘final’ match goals have gained Arsenal a net total of five points. Arsenal at least remain unbeaten at home this season in the league (W3, D3), with both teams scoring in five of those matches. All three draws in that group saw each side win one half apiece by a one-goal margin.

Arsenal’s last three conceded PL goals have come beyond the hour mark. Only one of Arsenal’s last seven PL home wins has come after a level half-time scoreline. Southampton’s last two league defeats have seen the decisive goal delayed until the 75th minute or later.

Southampton travel after taking just one point from the last possible nine away from home. Each of the Saints’ three away PL defeats this term have seen them concede 2+ times, with all goals against them in each match being consigned to the same half. Southampton striker Danny Ings’ equaliser v Everton (Nov 9) gave the ‘Saints’ hope in their last match, and three of his last five goals have now been the second of the whole match in question. That said, the ‘Saints’ have lost by a mere one-goal margin (2-1) in their last two games after the horrors of October. In addition, they have avoided defeat in the three away league matches where they have opened the goals against opposition outside last season’s top four (W2, D1).