Mikel Arteta comments on Russell Martin’s style of play ahead of Arsenal vs Southampton

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The odds are stacked against Southampton as they make the trip to title challengers Arsenal this weekend.

Southampton’s confidence is on the floor after losing five of their first six Premier League games, the latest being a 3-1 defeat against Bournemouth on Monday.

In England’s top flight, there is no place to hide, though, as the Saints face the unenviable task of trying to take points from Arsenal at the Emirates.

The Gunners are unbeaten in their last 12 games on home soil, with Mikel Arteta’s men dropping just four points from a possible 18 this term.

With world-class stars such as Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz lining up against Russell Martin’s men, there’s no surprise that Paul Merson has predicted Arsenal to beat Southampton 4-0.

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Mikel Arteta comments on Russell Martin’s style of play

When they visit the Emirates on Saturday, Martin may have to compromise his usual possession-based style and go a bit more defensive in an attempt to stop the onslaught of attacks.

During his time at St Marys, the Saints boss has gained a solid reputation for playing easy-on-the-eye football, showcasing that at times in the Premier League.

In some of their matches, particularly in the defeat to Manchester United, Southampton looked magnificent and could have gained a foothold in the match if Cameron Archer scored his penalty past Andre Onana.

Whilst missing chances has been the story of their season, Arteta has still praised Martin for his style of play, dubbing their opponents a ‘joy to watch’ while claiming they deserve more than just a point from their opening six games.

“I love that kind of behaviour, in the end, you have to do what you feel,” Arteta said via Arsenal’s official website.

“He’s proven that his philosophy is extremely successful, what he did with Swansea, what he did with Southampton and last year they were 25 games unbeaten.

“It was a joy to watch that team play, the same with Swansea, and from what I’ve seen, they deserve much more than what they have already. But this is the Premier League, and the small details are so important to get results.”

• READ MORE: Paul Merson shares worrying Russell Martin verdict in Arsenal vs Southampton prediction

The fixtures that could define Southampton’s season

Not many people, if any, expect the Saints to come away from the Emirates with a positive result.

Realistically, it’s about how many Arsenal will get, rather than questioning whether they’ll win the match, such is the contrast in form of both teams.

A defeat at the Emirates won’t define their season but if the run without a win continues, it will be difficult to see a world where Southampton stay in the Premier League.

That is why their fixtures after the international break could define their season, with the South Coasters entertaining Leicester and Everton while travelling to Wolves in three of their next four.

Failure to at least take a win from those games will put Southampton in danger of being cut adrift at the bottom, and perhaps place Martin at a greater risk of being sacked.