Arsenal gunning for Saints success on Boxing Day travels

Wenger boosted in belief after City coup

Arsenal will take some confidence in the fact they have only ever lost once on Boxing Day in the Premier League, while Southampton have been defeated on once of their last seven clashes post-Christmas Day fixtures.

Wenger may have witnessed his men impressively dispatch fellow title hopefuls City recently, but the long-serving French coach is cautious about his side’s title chances.

“It’s too early to say we can win the league, but [the weekend win over Manchester City] strengthens our belief,” stated Wenger.

“We have to be ready to fight..”

“You realise you earn your right to win these games and for us it is important that we realise that we have to be ready to fight like that in every single game.

“But it is a significant game because when you look at Manchester City and the quality they have on the pitch, we know at the end they will be there fighting for the championship.”

However, the north London outfit will have to overcome Southampton on the south coast before any title talk, though the hosts are on the verge of failing to win in six Premier League matches for the first time during Koeman’s reign.

Giroud proving critics wrong with rampant run

Since being on the end of harsh criticism earlier in the current campaign, especially from club icon Thierry Henry, France international frontman Olivier Giroud has burst into life and become a vital component for Arsenal, particularly in away clashes.

The in-form targetman has now struck in five of his team’s last six away league encounters, as well as 15 in total in all competitions, and he is 11/4 to fire Arsenal to victory once again here (£20 max stake).

Theo Walcott is also a threat to the Saints, having clinically fired in the first goal at the Etihad, and the rapid forward is 6/1 to open proceedings again on his latest appearance.

For the hosts, Graziano Pelle is 6/4 to get on the scoresheet anytime, while Republic of Ireland marksman Shane Long is 7/1 to fire in the game’s last goal and wicked wideman Sadio Mane is 2/1 for another mark on his season tally.

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Coral’s top tip: Olivier Giroud is in flying form, so back him to net again in an Arsenal win at 11/4 and a £20 max stake.