Southampton can go to Arsenal with no fear today and get a result.
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Obviously, it’s a very tough game but we travel to London with a lot more confidence than last season.
We were beaten up badly and were battered for six – but we’ve come a long way since then.
I predicted earlier in the season we would get a draw at Old Trafford and I don’t see any reason why we can’t expect the same outcome at the Emirates.
The way the Gunners play might just suit us a little bit as we seem to do well against teams that like to try and keep the ball and sometimes pass it in risky areas.
Arsenal have been found out before doing that particularly against Dortmund at home in the Champions League when they got caught in possession and conceded a goal.
The Saints have got to take advantage of that and I can’t see them changing their game plan.
They will continue to press high up the field and won’t sit back.
Southampton have gone to Anfield and Old Trafford and played exactly the same way.
They have not shown any fear going to the big clubs-and that’s one thing that has impressed me most by manager Mauricio Pochettino.
We are almost saying to the opposition: “This is how we play – you change your tactics and try and cope with us.”
I think that’s a great attitude to have and we can sneak a draw there.
Adam Lallana will probably still be on cloud nine after getting his international call-up with England.
He didn’t do himself any harm in the two games against Chile and Germany and is now being talked about as an outside contender for a place on that plane to Brazil.
If Southampton win by two clear goals and Liverpool fail to beat Everton then I could be singing “We’re top of the league” tonight.
Now that is a lovely thought.
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This photograph was provided by Goalden Goals.
