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| Who’s the dangerman? - Arsenal (H) | Southampton host Arsenal on Wednesday night as one of their two games in hand on the teams around them. Saints have … 09-05-2017 |

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| Southampton Predicted XI: Arsenal (H)18 hours ago |
| Southampton vs Arsenal - Match Preview18 hours ago |
| Southampton reportedly still considering Semedo move18 hours ago |
| Southampton v Arsenal - Five to impress18 hours ago |
| Puel insists van Dijk will stay at Southampton2 days ago |
| Five things learned - Liverpool (A)2 days ago |
| Which Southampton players would you keep or let go of this summer?2 days ago |
| Liverpool 0-0 Southampton - Match Report2 days ago |
| Southampton rivalled by Crystal Palace for Onyekuru2 days ago |

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Sourced from ESPN FC article

Arsene Wenger in no mood to step into shadows as he scoffs at director talk

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No matter how urgent the short-term crisis facing Arsenal – and heading into Wednesday’s match against Southampton with six points to make up on fourth place registers as arguably the most urgent crisis of Arsene Wenger’s two decades in charge – there was a reminder on Tuesday that even bigger forces are at play, forces which will shape the club in even more meaningful ways than the ability to secure Champions League football for next season.

It was a reminder which cut through the white noise of the weekly questions about Wenger’s future: the news conference background radiation which always faintly registers, but as Wenger bats away query after query as to whether he has made a decision and when it will be communicated, is drowned out by more significant sound bites. That changed on Tuesday, ahead of his meeting with former protege Claude Puel at St. Mary’s, when it was not his personal intentions which were scrutinised, but instead his power and authority.

It seemed like a fairly routine question, in response to reports that Arsenal had been considering appointing a director of football, but it drew a desultory response from Wenger, even sarcastic. His comments bear repeating in full.

“No. I don’t know what director of football means,” Wenger said.

“Is it somebody who stands in the road and directs play right and left? I don’t understand, and I never did understand what it means. No, no, no. Sorry, no. I’m not prepared to talk about that. I’m the manager of Arsenal Football Club, and as long as I’m manager of Arsenal Football Club, I will decide what happens on the technical front. That’s it.”

Wenger might not be operating at football’s cutting edge any more, but it is surely disingenuous to pretend he does not know the role of a director of football. The title might vary across clubs, but the concept of having an appointee establish consistency of approach and continuity of style, as well as helping to shape and implement transfer policy, cannot be a foreign one. Wenger has a bespoke analytics team at his disposal these days, yet he professes not to know what a director of football might do for his club.

This reaction was quite revealing. Wenger clearly sees any plot to put someone upstairs as a potential erosion of his power. Rightly so: it would be, and that is the whole point. That would be the moment at which Arsenal begin to manage his departure in a joined-up and controlled way, the moment when Wenger starts to be phased out.

Chief executive Ivan Gazidis famously spoke of using the club’s disastrous form since the turn of the year as a “catalyst for change” and appointing someone at director of football level would certainly fit this remit. Wenger, though, seems utterly opposed. It puts him firmly at odds with someone who is ostensibly his boss, and it establishes a very unhelpful dynamic going into the summer, when the genuine, meaningful change that so many supporters have been demanding looks almost certain to be denied.

It is change which is much needed. Wenger is an old-school boss, maybe the last of the centralised autocrats, but the game is a new one, or at least renewed. It is a game of transfer committees, performance directors, sporting directors and technical directors. Structures which outlast managers and, in theory at least, give clubs stability and identity beyond the whims of one man. It does not always work out like that of course, but the single-manager model is a redundant one for a reason.

Wenger is often criticised when he says he built Arsenal. But if you are talking about Arsenal as a modern entity – their style, culture and infrastructure – it is hard to make an opposing case. He has effectively constructed it all, and judging by his surprisingly forthright resistance to the very idea of sharing his power, it is hard to imagine the situation changing, or indeed Wenger departing this summer, leaving his life’s work behind him.

The immediate task on Wednesday might be to obtain the win needed to keep the top-four challenge alive, moving to within three points of fourth-placed Manchester City and four of third-placed Liverpool, with a game in hand over Jurgen Klopp’s side, but Wenger’s performance in the prematch news conference hinted at more difficult, more existential battles ahead, between the board and manager, and, by extension, the supporters too.

On the basis of Tuesday’s power play, anyone who thinks that Wenger is ready to step quietly into the shadows, or that next season will be materially different from this, could be in for a rude shock.

Tom is one of ESPN FC’s Arsenal bloggers. You can follow him on Twitter @tomEurosport

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Sourced from Premier League - Official Site article

‘PL Primary Stars is open to all children’

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Primary school teachers can register for free resources and parents can nominate schools by visiting Premier League Primary Stars

Children from Redbridge Primary School had a day to remember recently when Southampton first-team player Nathan Redmond came along to take part in lessons as part of the Premier League Primary Stars initiative.

The school is one of 27 that are working with the Saints Foundation and PL Primary Stars, the Premier League’s most ambitious community programme to date which aims to support 10,000 primary schools by 2019.

It uses the appeal of professional football clubs to engage children aged 5-11 during their studies, through free teaching resources, and the impact is certainly being felt at Redbridge Primary.

Headteacher Donna Clarke says: "What I really like about it, it focuses on PE and develping children’s attitudes and skills within sports, and all of the positive elements of that you can apply across all aspects of life, but it also focuses on PSHE, English and Maths.

“It’s open to all children irrespective of whether they are interested in sport or not.”

Redbridge Primary was renamed the Nathan Redmond School in honour of the visit and the Saints winger got fully involved in the day, taking part in a whole-school assembly and well as a PSHE lesson.

“Everything in sport, you need the foundation of education, and that’s why this is so important,” Redmond told the Daily Echo. “It’s brilliant to be able to give back to the children and have a Premier League team so close to the school and community.”

Running alongside this is the new Premier League Primary Stars Kit and Equipment scheme, which gives teachers the opportunity to get their hands on a full team kit or a range of useful equipment for their school that can be used for different subject areas.

Teachers can apply for the chance to receive free kit or equipment for their school by registering for the programme at PLPrimaryStars.com.

Parents can also nominate their school via the website. This year’s application window opens from 24 April-9 June.

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Sourced from Daily Echo article

Van Dijk steps up recovery

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Virgil van Dijk has stepped up his recovery from a foot ligament injury.

The Dutchman, who has been out since January, has posted a video on Instagram of him running at Saints’ Staplewood Training Ground.

In previous videos, the 25-year-old has been using an anti-gravity treadmill to help him in his rehabilitation.

But Van Dijk has progressed on his path to recovery and is now running freely.

The Netherlands international is out for season with the injury.

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@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

After #SFCAwards2017, there was only one #SaintsFC player that could go on front of our #Arsenal edition of SAINTS.… https://twitter.com/i/web/status/862027396790321152

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Match Preview: Southampton vs Arsenal

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THE MATCH

Southampton vs Arsenal

Wednesday 10th May, 7.45pm BST

St Mary’s

Premier League

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

Claude Puel’s men will be buoyed by a resilient display in their 0-0 with Liverpool at Anfield at the weekend, as they look to finish the season strongly.

Visitors Arsenal meanwhile, will be looking to follow up their 2-0 success over Manchester United as they look to avoid missing out on a Champions League spot for the first time in two decades.

TEAM NEWS

Southampton: Manager Claude Puel has no fresh injury concerns following the draw at Liverpool but will assess the players in terms of potential fatigue.

The boss also discussed the returns of Charlie Austin and Matt Targett following their minutes for the Under-23s and has hinted they could return before the close of the campaign.

Arsenal: Arsene Wenger will make a late check on the fitness of Laurent Koscielny, but Granit Xhaka should be ok following his withdrawal against Manchester United.

Elsewhere, Lucas Perez is fit and has returned to training and Danny Welbeck did not suffer any injury in the last fixture.

FORM GUIDE

Southampton’s previous five:

Liverpool (a) D 0-0

Hull City (h) D 0-0

Chelsea (a) L 4-2

Manchester City (h) L 0-3

West Brom (a) W 0-1

Arsenal’s previous five:

Manchester United (h) W 2-0

Tottenham Hotspur (a) L 2-1

Leicester City (h) W 1-0

Manchester City (n) W 2-1 (Emirates FA Cup)

Middlesbrough (a) W 2-1

Austin delighted to be back from injury

TOP PERFORMERS

Fraser Forster produced an outstanding display to shut Liverpool out for the fourth time this season.

The England international denied his former Newcastle United colleague James Milner from the penalty spot as well as making eight saves. He is likely to be key once more if Saints are to get a positive result against the Gunners.

Top scorers: Charlie Austin (9), Nathan Redmond (7)

Most assists: Dušan Tadić (6), James Ward-Prowse (5)

Former Saint Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain provided two assists against Manchester United to take his tally to seven for the season – as many as he had in the previous five campaigns.

One of those assists was for Danny Welbeck, who Puel’s men will be more than aware of after his FA Cup double at St Mary’s earlier on in the season.

Top scorers: Alexis Sanchez (24), Theo Walcott (19), Olivier Giroud (13)

Most assists: Alexis Sanchez (14), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (11), Mesut Özil (10)

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

All-time record:

Played: 92

Southampton: 20

Draws: 25

Arsenal: 47

Previous four meetings:

January 2017: Southampton 0-5 Arsenal

November 2016: Arsenal 0-2 Southampton (Clasie, Bertrand)

September 2016: Arsenal 2-1 Southampton (Cech OG)

February 2016: Arsenal 0-0 Southampton

DID YOU KNOW?

Arsene Wenger’s side have lost five of their last six away Premier League games – the same number they’d lost in their previous 27 on the road in the competition.

– Arsenal are winless in their five previous away visits to St Mary’s in the Premier League, last winning there in December 2003 (D3 L2).

NOT AT THE GAME?

Don’t worry if you can’t make it to St Mary’s! Our interactive match centre at southamptonfc.com will have all the build-up, as well as in-game updates and free live audio commentary.

Additionally, be sure to follow us on our various social channels for behind-the-scenes access and further updates:

– Twitter

– Instagram

– Snapchat

– Facebook

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 09/05/2017 20:00:30

| | Tactical analysis: Southampton vs ArsenalREADARSENAL |

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Read Southampton

New content from (- Read Southampton)

| Nice holding firm on Seri valuation with Saints keen | Southampton have been linked with a move for OGC Nice midfielder Jean Seri for some time now, but they’ll have to … 09-05-2017 |

Older content…

| Who’s the dangerman? - Arsenal (H)19 hours ago |
| Southampton Predicted XI: Arsenal (H)19 hours ago |
| Southampton vs Arsenal - Match Preview19 hours ago |
| Southampton reportedly still considering Semedo move19 hours ago |
| Southampton v Arsenal - Five to impress19 hours ago |
| Puel insists van Dijk will stay at Southampton2 days ago |
| Five things learned - Liverpool (A)2 days ago |
| Which Southampton players would you keep or let go of this summer?2 days ago |
| Liverpool 0-0 Southampton - Match Report2 days ago |

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 09/05/2017 21:00:43

| | Charlie Nicholas predicts Southampton vs Arsenal result; hits out at Alexis SanchezHEREISTHECITY |
| | Report: Henry Onyekuru must be paid £32,000-a-week to qualify for work permit in Premier LeagueHEREISTHECITY |
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| Goals, goals and more goals v Arsenal - Southampton FCDUGOUT |
| | UNTOLDARSENAL |
| | Southampton-Arsenal: Match Preview, Predicted Line-up. Saints Took Points at Anfield as Arsenal Must Take Them at …BERGKAMPESQUE |
| | Liverpool reportedly remaining confident over move for international starLIVE4LIVERPOOL |
| | Southampton vs Arsenal: TV channel, kick off and live stream informationFOOTBALLLONDON |
| | “Counts for diddly squat” – Fans react to Puel’s statement on Liverpool-linked Van DijkSQUAWKA |
| | Public row with manager gives Leicester City and Southampton a transfer boostSPORTWITNESS |
| | Spirits high as squad prepare for Arsenal - Southampton FCDUGOUT |

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Read Southampton

New content from (- Read Southampton)

| Key Battles - Arsenal (H) | After an impressive defensive performance against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, Southampton will be back in action … 09-05-2017 |

Older content…

| Nice holding firm on Seri valuation with Saints keen21 hours ago |
| Who’s the dangerman? - Arsenal (H)21 hours ago |
| Southampton Predicted XI: Arsenal (H)21 hours ago |
| Southampton vs Arsenal - Match Preview21 hours ago |
| Southampton reportedly still considering Semedo move21 hours ago |
| Southampton v Arsenal - Five to impress21 hours ago |
| Puel insists van Dijk will stay at Southampton2 days ago |
| Five things learned - Liverpool (A)2 days ago |
| Which Southampton players would you keep or let go of this summer?2 days ago |

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Blogs – Fresh Saints

New content from (- Blogs – Fresh Saints)

| Podcast: Liverpool vs Southampton reaction | Last Sunday Southampton picked up a heard earned point away at Anfield, as Fraser Forster stole the headlines with a … 09-05-2017 |

Older content…

| Southampton offered cash and Christensen for Van Dijk6 days ago |
| Match preview: Southampton vs Hull City11 days ago |
| Christopher Jullien joins Southampton’s centre-back shortlist15 days ago |
| Southampton keeping close watch on Nathan Ake19 days ago |
| Overview: Southampton vs Manchester City23 days ago |
| Southampton must get midfield pairing right against Manchester City24 days ago |
| Maya Yoshida: from bench-warmer to first-team ballera month ago |
| Southampton youngster Gallagher in high demanda month ago |
| Southampton: A Prediction For The Rest Of The Season2 months ago |

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

SAINTS: Arsenal edition now available

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Inside the Spanish juggernaut shares his personal highlights from the season, as well as revealing what has enabled him to perform so consistently well on the pitch.

Romeu also speaks about his pride at being named both the fans and players’ Player of the Season, and discusses all his fellow winners at the Player Awards.

Elsewhere, columnist Franny Benali tells us about his busy footballing weekend and what it was like to be accused of Saints-biased commentary live on TalkSPORT!

Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe gives a further insight into today’s opposition, as well as analysing Fraser Forster’s fine display during the Liverpool stalemate.

All of the usual Saints nostalgia is also included in this edition, as well as a free minimalist poster of Martín Cáceres and the latest news from our Academy.

There are more outlets than ever from which to purchase this season’s matchday magazine, which retails at £4.

You can also pre-order, find all old editions and take out a subscription for the season by visiting saintsmagazines.co.uk.

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Sourced from Daily Echo article

Will Nathan Redmond get your vote for Player of the Season?

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Will Nathan Redmond get your vote for the Daily Echo’s Southampton FC Player of the Season Award?

The £10m signing from Norwich struggled early on in his first season at Saints, but has become a reliable and an exciting attacking option - although the end product hasn’t always been there.

Thankfully they have now dried up and he’s been allowed to develop his game without too much hindrance.

Claude Puel initially decided to play Redmond as a striker, which yielded some success but he never truly looked settled there.

He managed three goals there but he himself admitted that settling in upfront was a big challenge.

“I’m learning a new position,” he said in October. “I’m playing up front. Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither will I transferring into becoming a striker.

“I’m learning daily in training and learning during the games as well. The more I get in those areas the better I’ll get at finishing.”

But as the French boss turned back to the trusty 4-2-3-1 formation, which has previously served Saints so well, Redmond was deployed in a more familiar role out wide.

There he has been one of Saints’ bright sparks and won his first senior England cap after a decent run of games, which included a brace in the 4-3 win at Watford.

Will he get your vote for Player of the Season?

CLICK HERE TO CAST YOUR VOTE >>>

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@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Have you renewed your #SaintsFC Season Ticket for 2017/18?

Sunday 14th May is the closing date to do so: http://sfcne.ws/STonSale2017

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 09/05/2017 22:00:57

| | Three reasons Claude Puel was wrong to speak out on future of 25-year-old starFOOTBALLFANCAST |
| | Duo recalled in 3-4-3: My Arsenal starting XI vs Southampton | Arsenal Station | Arsenal FC NewsARSENALSTATION |
|

| Preview: Gunners travel to Southampton hoping to continue their push for top fourTHEHARDTACKLE |
| | Fraser Forster’s comments on Celtic should encourage more players to join Brendan Rodgers’ sideHEREISTHECITY |
| | PREVIEW: Southampton vs. Arsenal 2017: Start time, team news, stats, TV schedule, match thread, and how to watch …STMARYSMUSINGS |
| | Bad news for Arsenal ahead of Southampton clash | | Where football transfer rumours fly or die!THETRANSFERTAVERN |
| | Video Channel ! Arsenal Preview - Southampton NewsTHEUGLYINSIDE |

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Sourced from Mirror.co.uk article

Southampton vs Arsenal live stream details, TV information and more

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Arsene Wenger takes his Arsenal side to St Mary’s on Wednesday as the Gunners look to carry on pushing for a top four finish.

This game could be huge for Wenger’s future with a defeat surely ending their top four chances.

They beat Manchester United on Sunday and will be desperate not to slip up against Southampton.

The Saints currently sit in a mid table position and will be hoping to finish in the top 10 again.

Here is everything you need to know ahead of the clash.

The match kicks off at 7:45pm on Wednesday night at St Mary’s stadium

The game is not being shown live on TV but is available for streaming on Arsenal Player.

Southampton

Southampton’s Matt Targett (fitness), Virjil Van Djik (foot), and Jason McCarthy (hamstring) all remain unavailable for the clash against the Gunners.

Charlie Austin could make his return to the side. The striker has been left out of the side since December 8 after dislocating his shoulder in a Europa League home draw with Hapoel Be’er Sheva.

Shkrodan Mustafi may make his return to the side as he has returned to full training yet still lacks full fitness.

Lucas Perez is also doubtful to start against the Saints, but Santi Cazorla is still out.

Claude Puel’s side currently sit in mid table in the Premier League with games in hand on West Brom and West Ham

Victory here could see them rise to eighth which and Claude Puel’s side will certainly be looking for a top half finish.

The Gunners continue to chase a spot in the top four and they know in order to get Champions League next season, they will have to win all of their remaining games.

Arsene Wenger has has achieved a top four finish with the Gunners for the past 21 years that he has been with the club.

The Frenchman will not want to ruin his perfect record and will make sure his side claim victory here against the Saints.

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@MirrorFootball - Mirror Football

Southampton boss Puel backs Gabbiadini to end personal goal-drought — and Arsenal’s top-four hopes #saintsfc #AFChttps://twitter.com/i/web/status/862074251360296960

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 09/05/2017 23:01:11

| | Report: Liverpool confident of sealing deal for Virgil van DijkHEREISTHECITY |
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| Three Southampton players who must get their chance against ArsenalSHOOTCOUK |
| | Agreement reached which means Everton and Southampton can seal midfielder switch for €40mSPORTWITNESS |

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 10/05/2017 00:01:26

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| Southampton’s home and away form: Is St Mary’s a fortress?FANSIDEDSAINTSMARCHING |
| | Wenger To Make 2 Key Changes: Predicted Arsenal XI To Face Southampton | Football Talk | Premier League NewsFOOTBALLTALK |
| | Southampton v Arsenal: Since they last metDAILYCANNON |
| | Could Southampton’s Jean Seri hopes depend on Lucian Favre’s Nice future?HEREISTHECITY |

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Sourced from Mirror.co.uk article

Puel backs Gabbiadini to end personal goal-drought and Arsenal’s top-four hopes

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Claude Puel fancies Southampton striker Manolo Gabbiadini to get back on the goal trail against Arsenal – and end his managerial mentor Arsene Wenger’s faint hopes of gate-crashing the top four.

Italy international Gabbiadini was in scorching form following his £17million move from Serie A heavyweights Napoli in January, scoring six times in his first four games as a Saint.

But the 25-year-old goes into Wednesday’s home game having failed to find the net in his four appearances since returning from a March groin problem that ended his prolific run.

Boss Puel said: “Sometimes it’s difficult when you come back from an injury, difficult to find the good rhythm and good intensity.

“On Sunday we played a difficult opponent for a striker — against Liverpool it’s difficult for a striker. He played alone between two or three defenders and it’s difficult to have the good ball.

“Like many strikers his quality is in the box. Against Arsenal I think this game will be open and perhaps we will see more opportunities for them and for us.”

Puel is pals with Wenger after playing and then coaching under his fellow Frenchman at Monaco in the 1990s.

He says his old friend is still the right man to take Arsenal forward, even if they miss out on a Champions League place for the first time under him.

The sixth-placed Gunners have games in hand on their rivals, but probably need to win every match to stand any chance of climbing above Liverpool or Manchester City to join Chelsea and Tottenham at UEFA’s top table.

Puel said: “It has been a difficult championship this season. All the great teams are present at the top.

“It is difficult with just four places for the Champions League, but perhaps it is a season of transition for Arsenal. I hope it is finished, because I want to get a good result against them. They can win the FA Cup [the Gunners face Chelsea at Wembley on May xx], and if Arsene was to win this cup it would be a good season.

“I think he is a great manager for Arsenal for the future.”

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