Southampton vs Arsenal: Premier League preview, team news, stats & head-to-head

There was, on paper, very little to play for at St Mary’s.

While five teams were fighting it out for three Champions League places, Arsenal had secured their spot with a week to spare by beating Newcastle at Emirates Stadium last Sunday.

Only a major swing in goal difference would have meant they surrendered second place to Manchester City but with Southampton heading into the game having scored 25 goals in 37 matches, and Arsenal keeper David Raya looking to retain the golden glove for most clean sheets, such a result was unlikely.

After conceding on Sunday, Raya shared the award with Nottingham Forest’s Matz Sels, who also kept 13 clean sheets.

Relegated Southampton, meanwhile, had their fate confirmed on 6 April – the earliest relegation in Premier League history. Overtaking Derby County’s record low mark of 11 points with a goalless draw against Man City a fortnight ago provided a rare moment of cheer in a dismal season.

But while Sunday’s result made no difference to the table, for Southampton’s players the match was an opportunity to impress with incoming manager Will Still watching on from the stands.

He was confirmed as Ivan Juric’s successor on a three-year contract before kick-off, becoming the club’s fifth permanent manager since the start of the 2022-23 season.

Still inherits a side in dire straits. Southampton picked up just 12 points this season and are on a 14-match winless run stretching back to 1 February. They also have the unwanted twin honours of the league’s worst attack (26 goals) and worst defence (86 goals).

There were positive signs in this latest defeat. Southampton frequently troubled Arsenal on the break, with Sulemana’s pace causing the visitors plenty of problems. Youngster Robinson impressed on his first start and they delivered a spirited defensive performance in the face of constant attacking pressure.

However, Still will be under no illusions about the task on his hands to restore Southampton’s Premier League status at the first attempt.