x

Saints At Arsenal The Preview

Can we win at rsenal ? Can we even get a draw ? hopefully they will be ranting on Arsenalfanstv about this one at 5pm on Saturday !

As I have mentioned earlier in the week Ralph Hasenhuttle needs to get back to basics on this one, with a squad low on confidence, organisation and leadership on the pitch, he needs to play in a formation where all those playing understand it and know their job in it.

Too often this season that has not been the case and even though the last three games have seen better defending we still conceded 7 goals and virtually all of them should not have been conceded.

For me this means playing a 4-4-2 formation and Ralh selecting those that have done it for him before and not those that have continually let him down this season.

I would stick with Alex McCarthy in goal and play a back four of Valery, Bednarek Danso & Bertrand.

I am not sure what Valery has done to annoy Ralph, but he is still the best option we have in this position as is Jan Bednarek at centre half and likewise Ryan Bertrand at right back.

I would partner Bednarek with Kevin Danso if for the only reason is we have never played him in his true position and given how badly Vestergaard, Stephens & Yoshida have fared, then we have nothing to lose by trying him there, yes he might be as bad as the other three, but you never know it might just work.

In midfield I would have the pace of Redmond & Djenepo on the flanks with a central two of Hojbjerg and Romeu to graft.

Up front Danny Ings may get some stick by some but he has the knack for scoring goals eve when he is completely isolated as he has been in some of the games he has scored in, don't underestimate either this skill or whatever else he has in his armoury.

That leaves one remaining position, I know I said 4-4-2 but in this final position we can be flexible, we could play James Ward Prowse to sit in front of the defence and try to get the ball and get it out wide or play in Ings or we could play a second striker.

If we did this then Shane Long could offer battle and the ability to hold the ball up and draw fouls to create set pieces or Che Adams could offer pace and running,.

Either of these three options could work, but just as much they could all be spoiled by some poor defending and this has been our downfall, I am not saying we would be challenging the top six, but without the atrocious marking in the centre of our defence we would certainly be well clear of the bottom three.

Putting it in perspective good defences can hold up good sides and win them games, in contrast a poor defence can cost good sides vital points.

The answer to our plight is simple, stop conceding goals though poor marking both from set pieces and from the break then we will pull out of trouble, don't do that and we are doomed, there is still a long way to go this season and survival won't be achieved by beating Arsenal it will be by beating the sides down there with us.

This is far from being a free hit, the fact that we have got only 1 point in our last 7 games takes that away, but if we lose it is far from the end, the season has to be kick started and Watford at home is the one that matters, that is the one when everyone needs to be kicking in the right direction, fans players, manager and the board.

Arsenal by their standards are in disarray, but for them that means being sixth in the League and that tells us a lot about what the Premier League has become.

What to read next:

Southampton V Liverpool The Carabao Cup Preview
It's been a traumatic week around St Mary's, but for many Saints supporters it has seen change and that is what has been needed, so Southampton go into this game with the shackles off and a new manager and with a realistic chance of getting to the semi finals.
Yorkshire Media Claim That Sheffield Wednesday Battling To Keep Danny Rohl
Usually the local media have their finger on the pulse of their clubs and if that is the case, then Yorkshire media are convinced that Southampton are pursuing Danny Rohl and that the Owls are struggling to keep their man.
A New Name In The Hat For Southampton Managerial Vacancy
Their is a new candidate to replace Russell Martin after his sacking as Saints boss on Monday evening, reports from Italy are saying he has joined Danny Rohl and Kasper Hjulmand at the top of the list.
Southampton In Negotiations With Club For Manager Release
According to media sources, Saints are in ongoing talks with the club of their top target to replace Russell Martin, but will this please the Southampton supporters who are desperate for a high profile appointment.
Southampton Need To Unite The Supporters With Next Manager Appointment
It is hard to believe that only 7 months ago Southampton fans were dancing with joy at Wembley in the play off finals and describing the day as one of the best in their Saints supporting lives, the feeling could not be more different in the fan base today.
Southampton Linked With Ex Danish National Team Manager
Danny Rohl was the early favourite to replace Russell Martin, but it is rumoured that Saints are balking at paying the compensation wanted by Sheffield Wednesday, however they are said to be interested in another target.
The First Bookies Favourite Has Emerged For Southampton Manager
Russell Martin probably hasn't finished clearing out his locker at Staplewood but the bookies have already compiled their books and a clear favourite has emerged, but will it be the one that the fans want.
Who Is Southampton Caretaker Manager Simon Rusk
after the sacking of Russell Martin, Saints announced that U21 coach Simon Rusk would take over on an interim basis, here we take a look at who Simon Rusk is and his experience.
Southampton 0 - 5 Tottenham Hotspur - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
Southampton V Tottenham Hotspur The Verdict
The straw that finally broke the camel's back, for most Saints supporters the worst 45 minutes they have ever endured at St Mary's when the team finally stuck two fingers up at their manager.