OptiNews - Friday 05 to Thursday 11 May 2017

Sourced from Daily Mail article

Middlesbrough’s failure shows how bad things can happen to good people

Show/hide article…

By common consent, Steve Gibson is an excellent person to run a football club. At a time when it seems poor or rogue owners are causing havoc, Gibson is a shining light.

Local, doesn’t interfere, rescued the place from extinction, invests, builds, listens, keeps down ticket prices, has strong links with the community, his nephew is the best player — every club should have a man like Gibson in charge.

And did you see what happened to Middlesbrough on Monday? Relegated. For the fourth time in the Premier League era, too — a record shared with Sunderland, Norwich and Crystal Palace.

That is the problem with football. Bad things happen to good people. It doesn’t need Venky’s in charge to end up in the Championship. With the best intentions, a good owner can go down.

Those now hailing Brighton as ‘the perfect football club’ — as one headline had it this weekend — need to remember this, as they step into the Premier League for the first time. Outside the elite, where 11 points currently separate eighth place from relegation, a lot can go wrong; or a little.

It doesn’t take much to relegate a club of the stature of Brighton or Middlesbrough. A spate of injuries in the same position, two or three misjudgments in the transfer market, a raid on your best player, a manager who unexpectedly struggles with the pressure.

That is what happened at Middlesbrough. Aitor Karanka organised the defence well, but Middlesbrough could not score. The fans grew frustrated. Karanka bit back. Then he criticised the transfer policy. The mood deteriorated, results suffered. Ultimately, Karanka alienated too many people.

It was a similar story at Manchester City under Roberto Mancini. A high- maintenance coach, causing conflict behind the scenes. By the time he left, he had few allies.

The difference being that, when this happens at Manchester City, they still come second and reach the FA Cup final because that is the quality of the squad. When it happens at Middlesbrough, they go down. Again.

At Stamford Bridge on Monday night, with 87 minutes gone, trailing 3-0 and as good as in the Championship, a remarkable thing happened: the travelling fans sang Gibson’s name.

They remembered. They remembered that he built a stadium, a training ground, and a modern club and that, no matter how it felt in that moment, this still constituted the most successful, exciting period in Middlesbrough’s history.

They have won a first trophy, the League Cup in 2004, reached a European final and an FA Cup final, they have seen some proper players and produced England managers. Most importantly, they have never been given reason to doubt that, successful or not, the owner had the interests of their club at heart.

And that simple acknowledgement is what we wish for Tony Bloom at Brighton, too. Already, his club are next season’s even-money favourites to go down.

Yet he is another Gibson. Built the stadium, built the training ground, forged wonderful community links, looks after the staff, a true supporter whose investment totals in the region of £250million.

There are some lovely additional touches, too. Brighton light up the concourse used by away fans in the colours of their team, to make them feel welcome. They don’t have to do that but isn’t it marvellous that they do?

Yet will it help them if Chris Hughton loses three centre halves the week before he plays Manchester United or if Anthony Knockaert gets his head turned by a much bigger club two days before the transfer window closes?

When Knockaert’s father died in November, Hughton cancelled training and took the entire squad to France for the funeral.

It was an incredibly supportive, respectful act, one that Knockaert says he will never forget. Yet this is football. This time last year, could anyone imagine that Claudio Ranieri, having won the title with Leicester, would be sacked by them the following February?

Bad things can happen, even in perfect stories, or to perfect clubs. It is to be hoped that, whatever the future holds for Brighton, nobody is expecting a perfect season in the Premier League.

The latest rich list shows that Alisher Usmanov, Arsenal shareholder, increased his worth by £4.2billion in the last year — more than the wages of every Premier League player combined.

It’s as Chris Rock said. ‘Shaquille O’Neal is rich — the white man who signs his pay cheque is wealthy.’

It must come as a great disappointment to Sheik Mansour that Manchester City are without a league title since 2014 —particularly as, according to his managers, they have the best team every year.

Pep Guardiola’s claim at the weekend is nothing new. In December last season, Manuel Pellegrini also said City were the best team — and just before leaving he announced they had been the best of the last three seasons, which must have come as a surprise to Leicester and Chelsea, the two previous champions.

City managers tend to want prizes for competitions that do not exist: scoring the most goals or creating most chances, as if football is a beauty contest.

They want the rosette for best in show.

Yet with a little more realism, City could be close to unstoppable next season. Beyond the defence, who do they really need to buy? Already, Guardiola can choose six from Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane, David Silva, Sergio Aguero, Kevin De Bruyne, Fernandinho and Ilkay Gundogan.

He has Fernando, Nolito, Jesus Navas, Fabian Delph, even Yaya Toure as his alternates, if he wishes — and this is without any promotions from the Under 21 team. If he sells Aguero, or some squad men leave, he may need replacements — but there is very little wrong with City going forward.

He is short on defence, though. Certainly a goalkeeper — because Claudio Bravo has been a disaster and Guardiola is in denial over it — both full backs and another centre half to partner John Stones, maybe even two more with Vincent Kompany’s fitness so unreliable.

Yet to prioritise in this area, City’s manager has to concede that points are more important than goals, passes and chances created; more important than all the aesthetic qualities that have been talked up above the truth of the league table for three years.

Do that, and City are more than dangerous; ignore it, and risk another season of empty words.

Some strange transfer stories have been flying about in recent weeks. First, Joe Hart was linked with a move to Manchester United, and this weekend Sergio Aguero.

It is almost as if someone within the United ranks is trying to make mischief for Manchester City.

Yet surely, the way to do that was to contend the Premier League positions right until the end, in an effort to knock City out of the top four and condemn Pep Guardiola and his players to the complexities of Thursday night football next season.

It still seems bizarre that Jose Mourinho saw winning the Europa League and a top four place as either/or; particularly when, with a stronger finish, he could have caused serious problems for such an important rival.

Like at most Premier League clubs, the first-team squad at Sunderland is evidence of the cosmopolitan nature of English football. It includes players from Italy, Costa Rica, Belgium, Senegal, Sweden, Tunisia, Portugal, Gabon, South Africa, Spain, Ivory Coast, Germany, Nigeria and the United States.

How ironic, then, that Sunderland having been relegated, the only two players who are considered attractive in the transfer market are both English: goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and striker Jermain Defoe.

For all of Sunderland’s investment abroad, few of their imports have maintained the value the club needs as a hedge against relegation.

The reputation and worth of most — £8million central defender Papy Djilobodji, for instance — have suffered.

Defoe’s value is limited due to his age, but Sunderland are optimistically talking of attracting £30m for Pickford, at 23, rated one of the best young goalkeepers in the country. Everton intend to bid £10m, which may be closer to reality.

Pickford is a local lad, from Washington. Would Sunderland not have been better off working harder to develop youth in a fertile area, rather than follow the route of so many rivals?

Who is the most sought-after player at Middlesbrough? Ben Gibson. At Hull? Harry Maguire. There are too many journeymen in the Premier League’s failing clubs. Too many players brought in at considerable expense to do a job that could be adequately covered from within their ranks, with a little more trust and instruction.

Bedene is a Brit of a problem for LTA

One of the reasons Aljaz Bedene was so well received as a tennis player in Great Britain was that his love for his adopted country seemed genuine.

He lived here, he paid taxes here, and appeared committed to remaining in Britain for the rest of his life.

When it was considered possible that he would represent Britain in the 2015 Davis Cup final, many were genuinely torn about his inclusion. He seemed the antithesis of the athletes who have used Britain as a flag of convenience.

International Tennis Federation rules mean Bedene will never be eligible for the Davis Cup as he previously represented Slovenia in the competition, but he did gain British citizenship and is promoted by the Lawn Tennis Association as one of their own.

This is ticking off Dan Evans. Evans says that having received citizenship, Bedene now lives in Slovenia. And if that is the case, he has a point.

It was Bedene’s commitment to Britain that made him an exception. If what he sought all along were the greater profile and robust earnings that come from being a British player, his motivations could be perceived as purely cynical.

‘It looks like we are desperate for an extra player, which I don’t think is right,’ said Evans. ‘The LTA are paying for him to be British.’

Evans, who recently lost his No 3 British ranking to Bedene, will no doubt be accused of sour grapes, but he is correct.

The strong line taken by the ITF over the Davis Cup is rare in modern sport and the LTA should at least respect that.

If Bedene no longer wishes to be part of British life, he does not merit British funding.

What more could Puel have done?

Southampton are 10th and their manager, Claude Puel, is fighting for his job. It rather raises the question, where do they think they should be?

Every summer, they sell their best players. Some winters, too. This January, Jose Fonte went to West Ham. The fee, £10million, was a lot for a 33-year-old centre half and no doubt Puel understood.

Even so, it didn’t do him many favours.

In the League Cup final Puel was forced to play 23-year-old Jack Stephens where Fonte would have been, with Virgil van Dijk injured. Stephens had started his first game for the club in January. He did well in the final, but there was no guarantee of that.

Sooner or later, the constant sales were always going to catch up with Southampton, and, if they have, it is to Puel’s credit that the club has still held its own. A club with Southampton’s philosophy could easily have got sucked into a relegation fight.

Puel should be under no pressure at all; in the circumstances, he has done a very good job.

Amid the euphoria, there is concern at Chelsea that Antonio Conte is giving little indication of long-term commitment. Inter Milan are calling, his family have not moved from Italy and there is no sign that he will put down roots in England.

Yet why would he? Chelsea have had 12 managers since Roman Abramovich arrived 14 years ago, including interim appointments.

With such a turnover why would any Chelsea manager make plans? Conte could win the Double in his first season. Yet so did Carlo Ancelotti — and he was gone a year later. Maybe Chelsea’s manager isn’t disloyal; maybe he’s simply a realist.

Go to the original article…

...insanely fathered by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from Daily Star article

Claude Puel: I am confident this Southampton star will return to form against Arsenal

Show/hide article…

Southampton boss Claude Puel has come under fire

Gabbiadini was in red hot form at the start of his Saints career after scoring six times in five games – including an EFL Cup Final double – following a £17m January move from Napoli.

But the Italian has looked out of sorts in recent weeks.

He has failed to find the net in four appearances since returning from a groin injury and has the fit-again Charlie Austin breathing down his neck.

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

Go to the original article…

...caddishly whittled by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

It’s matchday at St Mary’s! :innocent:

:soccer: #SaintsFC vs #Arsenal
:trophy: @premierleague
:round_pushpin: St Mary’s
:alarm_clock: 7.45pm BST
:computer:https://twitter.com/i/web/status/862192843108089856

Retweets: 3

Favourites: 5

...smilingly shaped by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 10/05/2017 07:25:44

| | Premier League Preview: Southampton vs. ArsenalNBCSPORTS |
| | Southampton vs Arsenal - predictions and betting oddsFOOTBALLLONDON |

...licentiously made by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from Daily Echo article

Tadic: Saints have a point to prove at St Mary’s

Show/hide article…

DUSAN Tadic has urged Saints to be far more “aggressive” and “attack more” as they aim to entertain the discontented St Mary’s crowd against Arsenal tonight in the Premier League.

Saints have been poor at home this term and have scored just 17 goals in 16 games in front of their own fans, with only relegated Middlesbrough and Sunderland scoring fewer in the top-flight.

Claude Puel’s men have also failed to win against any of the top six in ten attempts and Tadic wants Saints “to prove a point” when the sixth-placed Gunners rock up at St Mary’s this evening.

“We need to prove a point because normally we win a lot of games at home in the last few years, but this year not so much,” the Serbian explained.

“We should give them [the fans] more better moments and wins and we want to do that now. We have three games at home and we hope we give them that.”

After the 0-0 draw at Liverpool, in which Saints failed to muster a single shot on target, Tadic is eager to go on the attack.

“It will be a different game because Liverpool caused problems and we dropped back,” he explained. “We were defending a lot, but they didn’t make so many chances against us because we played like that.

“Against Arsenal it will be different and we need to show in front of our fans that we want to attack more and to try and beat them because, in the past, we’ve beaten them like that.”

The 28-year-old is at odds to explain why Saints’ form at St Mary’s has been so indifferent – Puel’s men have the fourth worst home record in the Premier League this campaign.

Saints have won only once in their last five games on the South Coast and have fired three blanks in their last four in front of their own fans.

The home support demonstrated their unhappiness at this during the 0-0 draw against lowly Hull last time out, booing at half-time, full-time and when striker Manolo Gabbiadini was substituted.

Tadic insists that they are not feeling the pressure because of the ill feeling from fans, but wants Saints to atone for some drab displays.

“No, no, no, the atmosphere is good,” the playmaker insisted, when asked if Saints are feeling under pressure at home, “we just need to win that game.

“We need to be more aggressive and to show that we want to win.

“That’s it, to be more aggressive and have better vision, then the crowd will show us more.

“We have good supporters and it will be more easy to win games.”

As for the paltry goal tally at home, Tadic has been left to rue to many missed opportunities.

But wants that to change as they bid to avoid chalking up their lowest ever Premier League home goals haul - they need five strikes to beat the current record.

“We’ve missed a lot of chances at home,” he said. “We have, a lot of the time, created chances but we don’t score a goal and then, if you don’t score in the right moment, then you don’t open up the opponent.

“This is one of the reasons why we haven’t scored but we must do better when we get a chance to score.”

Saints have not been able to win against any of the top six in the league and the Serbia international, who has scored three and assisted five goals this term, reckons a victory over one of them is long overdue.

“It’s time to do that,” Tadic said. “We have two very good games at home against Arsenal and then Manchester United in front of our fans and, with the help of them and our qualities, we can beat them.

“Arsenal have had ups and downs. They’ve changed their system and they are always a good team with good players.

“It will be tough but normally we have good experiences with them.”

Go to the original article…

...measuringly given life to by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from Sky Sports article

Premier League Sunday Round-up

Show/hide article…

A round-up of Sunday’s Premier League action, including Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Manchester United and the goalless draw between Liverpool and Southampton.

Go to the original article…

...constrictedly given birth to by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from Daily Echo article

Will Ryan Bertrand get your vote for Player of the Season?

Show/hide article…

Ryan Bertrand is among the best left-backs in the Premier League and he has hit new heights again this season.

The England international has further cemented himself in the national team and has even added to his game with Saints.

Last season he scored once and that was a penalty as a token gesture in the final game of the campaign, when Ronald Koeman’s side won 4-1 against Crystal Palace.

This time around however, the 27-year-old has netted three times and they’ve been pretty damn good finishes too.

His first came in the 2-0 win over Arsenal in the quarter-final of the EFL Cup, a superb volley from the edge of the box.

Bertrand was then at it again with an even better strike, when he cut in off the left flank and hits home from the narrow angle after a superb solo run to equalise in the 3-1 win at Bournemouth.

At Chelsea recently he scored a late consolation in the 4-2 defeat.

Bertrand has continued to consistently deliver on his left side, with his swashbuckling runs forward one his best assets. He’s not often outwitted defensively, either.

One of the most complete full-backs probably in the world right now.

And his performances have, unfortunately, not gone unnoticed this term, with Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City all apparently interested in his signature.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR YOUR PLAYER OF THE SEASON >>>

Go to the original article…

...bubblingly made by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Heading to see #SaintsFC take on #Arsenal? Here are the key timings to help you plan your visit to St Mary’s:

Retweets: 1

Favourites: 2

...robustly introduced by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 10/05/2017 08:25:52

| | Puel waits on duoCLUBCALL |
| | Southampton v ArsenalCLUBCALL |
| | Podcast: Liverpool vs Southampton reactionFRESHSAINTS |

...insecurely fabricated by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from Optimus trousers’ RSS Feed rss feed

The Ugly Inside News for Southampton

New content from (- The Ugly Inside News for Southampton)

| Inconsistency Has Cost Saints Dearly ! | Despite a season of complete inconsistency and the fact we have taken only two points from the last four games, … 10-05-2017 |

Older content…

| The Ugly Inside Video Channel ! Arsenal Previewa day ago |
| Saints V Arsenal Dan’s Previewa day ago |
| Saints At Liverpool The Verdict2 days ago |
| The Ugly Inside Video Channel ! Liverpool Game Fan Reaction2 days ago |
| Liverpool 0-0 Southampton - Player Ratings and Reports3 days ago |
| The Ugly Inside Video Channel ! Liverpool Preview4 days ago |
| The Ugly Inside Video Channel ! Is The Time Up For Puel5 days ago |
| Romeu Sweeps The Player Of The Year Awards.5 days ago |
| Ryan Bertrand Denies He Wants Away5 days ago |
| The Ugly Inside Video Channel ! Opposition View With Redmen TV5 days ago |

...chantingly fathered by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from Sky Sports article

Is Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk the man to sort out Arsenal’s defence?

Show/hide article…

Southampton are determined to keep Virgil van Dijk but his future is already the subject of intense speculation. Ahead of their meeting with Arsenal on Wednesday night, we examine whether the in-demand defender would be a good fit for the Gunners.

Arsenal hoped they had solved their long-standing defensive issues when they parted with £35m to sign Shkodran Mustafi from Valencia last summer. But as we approach the end of a tumultuous season in north London, it is safe to say they still have plenty of room for improvement at the back.

The Gunners have conceded 42 goals on their way to what could be their lowest ever finish under Arsene Wenger. A win and clean sheet against Manchester United provided some temporary reprieve, but with four games of the campaign still to play, their defensive record is already among their worst in the Premier League era.

It’s no surprise, then, that thoughts are already turning to the summer ahead. It’s no surprise, either, that Virgil van Dijk’s name keeps cropping up. The Southampton centre-back has been out with an ankle injury since January, but in two years on the south coast he has done more than enough to suggest he could cut it among the Premier League’s elite.

Van Dijk’s progress at St Mary’s has been rapid. The former Celtic man won Southampton’s player of the year award after helping them to a sixth-placed finish last season, and he has continued to grow in stature this year. Jose Fonte’s departure saw Van Dijk promoted to captain, with Claude Puel hailing him as “a strong character and personality” who holds his side together on and off the pitch.

“He’s a strong man, a strong player,” the Southampton boss added. “He’s physical and he’s technical. We are lucky to have a player with his quality and his spirit as well because he is a winner. He gives always the example for the team, for the young players.”

Those qualities seem to be in short supply at Arsenal. From the crushing defeats to Bayern Munich to the embarrassing losses against West Brom and Crystal Palace, Wenger’s side have repeatedly crumbled in the face of adversity this season. Their lack of leadership was underlined when Wenger conceded he didn’t know who was captaining his team during the second half of April’s draw with Manchester City.

Van Dijk could fill that vacuum, and he could also help with some of their other big issues. Arsenal’s recent defeat at Selhurst Park showed they are still vulnerable to a direct, physical style of play. According to Opta, 16 of the 42 goals they have conceded this season have come from set pieces. At almost 40 per cent, it’s the highest proportion of any Premier League club.

Few players are more suited to dealing with that kind of threat than the 6ft 4ins Van Dijk. Since his arrival in the Premier League, the stats show he has won more aerial balls than any other defender. It’s all the more impressive when you consider he has missed the last four months of this season.

Van Dijk’s defensive attributes are his standout qualities - Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher describes him as an “outstanding all-round defender” - but crucially for a club like Arsenal, the 25-year-old is also accomplished with the ball at his feet. With a Dutch schooling behind him, he is comfortable playing out from the back and boasts a fine range of passing.

This year, he has registered an 84.2 per cent pass completion rate despite attempting more long balls per 90 minutes than any of his Southampton team-mates. Van Dijk is frequently the starting point when Puel’s side transition from defence to attack. According to Opta, he has had a hand in five goals in 21 Premier League starts this season.

The issue for Arsenal, of course, is that extracting Van Dijk from St Mary’s will not be straight-forward. Puel was bullish about keeping the defender at Southampton at his pre-match press conference this week, and recent newspaper reports suggest the south coast club wouldn’t even consider offers below £50m.

Arsenal are not the only interested party either. Rumours linking Van Dijk with Liverpool intensified after his commanding performance against Jurgen Klopp’s side in the EFL Cup semi-final in January, and he has also been mentioned as a possible target for Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United.

His future could be one of the stories of the summer. And while Arsenal might not be favourites for his signature, they will struggle to find someone more suitable when they come to consider defensive reinforcements.

Go to the original article…

...sacrilegiously generated by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

:movie_camera:

#SaintsFC’s @MayaYoshida3 has stressed the importance of this evening’s game against #Arsenal:

Retweets: 3

Favourites: 9

...improvisationally dreamed up by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 10/05/2017 09:26:02

|

| Mesut Ozil sends ‘crucial’ message to Arsenal fans on Instagram | FootballSPORTREVIEWCOM |

...jointly brought to pass by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from Optimus trousers’ RSS Feed rss feed

The Ugly Inside News for Southampton

New content from (- The Ugly Inside News for Southampton)

| Saints V Arsenal The Preview | What sort of side will Claude Puel put out ? will he try and attack or try to subdue an Arsenal side who are in last … 10-05-2017 |

Older content…

| Inconsistency Has Cost Saints Dearly !9 hours ago |
| The Ugly Inside Video Channel ! Arsenal Previewa day ago |
| Saints V Arsenal Dan’s Previewa day ago |
| Saints At Liverpool The Verdict2 days ago |
| The Ugly Inside Video Channel ! Liverpool Game Fan Reaction2 days ago |
| Liverpool 0-0 Southampton - Player Ratings and Reports3 days ago |
| The Ugly Inside Video Channel ! Liverpool Preview4 days ago |
| The Ugly Inside Video Channel ! Is The Time Up For Puel5 days ago |
| Romeu Sweeps The Player Of The Year Awards.5 days ago |
| Ryan Bertrand Denies He Wants Away5 days ago |

...lustfully fitted together by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from Sky Sports article

Ozil: I’m happy at Arsenal

Show/hide article…

Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil insists he’s enjoying his time at the club, but won’t talk about a new contract until the summer.

Go to the original article…

...exemplarily hatched by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 10/05/2017 10:26:11

|

| Southampton preview as Arsenal’s dirty laundry continues to get washed in publicARSEBLOG |
| | UNTOLDARSENAL |
| | These 2 young Southampon stars must be given a chance in the final games of the season | | Where football transfer …THETRANSFERTAVERN |
| | Southampton vs Arsenal, Premier League 2016/17: Where to watch, preview, betting odds and possible XIIBTIMES |
| | (Photo) Arsenal star wary of ‘crucial’ Southampton clash this weekTURKISHFOOTBALLCOM |
| | Claude Puel shares what Southampton directors told him about Van DijkHEREISTHECITY |

...tunelessly conceived by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from Optimus trousers’ RSS Feed rss feed

Read Southampton

New content from (- Read Southampton)

| Saint-Etienne lining up Claude Puel for manager | Ligue 1 outfit Saint-Etienne are reportedly considering swooping for Claude Puel this summer, with his Southampton … 10-05-2017 |
| Southampton vs Arsenal: Combined XI | Southampton will host Arsenal at St Mary’s on Wednesday with both sides looking to build on relatively good results … 10-05-2017 |

Older content…

| Key Battles - Arsenal (H)a day ago |
| Nice holding firm on Seri valuation with Saints keena day ago |
| Who’s the dangerman? - Arsenal (H)a day ago |
| Southampton Predicted XI: Arsenal (H)a day ago |
| Southampton vs Arsenal - Match Previewa day ago |
| Southampton reportedly still considering Semedo movea day ago |
| Southampton v Arsenal - Five to impressa day ago |
| Puel insists van Dijk will stay at Southampton2 days ago |

...unfavourably concocted by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from A tweet by hassen_mouez tweet

@hassen_mouez - Mouez Hassen

(Big) Game Day !
:red_circle::white_circle:
#SOUARS #SaintsFC

Retweets: 4

Favourites: 41

...savouringly created by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from A tweet by OficialCedric tweet

@OficialCedric - Cédric Soares

Today we play at our home against Arsenal! Let’s get this win!
#SaintsFC #WeMarchOn

Retweets: 7

Favourites: 35

...snuffingly given breath to by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

A fitting farewell for The Dell!

Who can forget @mattletiss7’s stunning late volley for #SaintsFC against #Arsenalhttps://twitter.com/i/web/status/862262173388636160

Retweets: 7

Favourites: 10

...quiescently developed by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!