Saints still proving point ahead of Arsenal cup encounter

Signs, so far, are good though and Southampton can relish having lost only once in six games in all competitions so far this term.

There are indications that the south coast club are more capable defensively under Koeman’s stewardship, despite the loss of Chambers and Dejan Lovren. After the signings of former Celtic stopper Fraser Forster and on-loan Atletico centre back Toby Alderweireld were prioritised, Saints have conceded just three Premier League goals, with the latter in particularly impressive form.

The key to Southampton’s success has been the seamless integration of Koeman, who should be credited with bringing top quality players to St Mary’s after such a well-documented exodus. It is too easy to point to a number of Premier League sides that have spent big with little evidence of a long-term plan, and so far failed to make their hastily assembled teams gel.

Serbia playmaker Dusan Tadic is already performing as if he has been plying his trade at St Mary’s for much longer than a few months and, whilst still to break his duck, has been a crucial cog in the Saints offence. He is 7/2 to open his account anytime against the Gunners.

Italian attacker Graziano Pelle, who is 7/1 to fire home first against Arsenal, has perhaps been the most surprising success. With Rickie Lambert also exiting St Mary’s over the summer, replacement Pelle has stepped up to the plate, netting four goals in five appearances. His goal to game ratio has been exceptional so far, and at this rate the former Feyenord forward will be expecting to easily top Lambert’s 14 Premier League goals from last term.

Despite the new signings’ excellent efforts, fans can also take heart from remaining academy star James Ward-Prowse’s development. The 19-year-old has featured in all six Saints’ outings this season, starting five, providing an exciting snapshot of his potential. Koeman will now be anxiously awaiting news of the young starlet’s ankle injury, which could see him sit out of the upcoming FA Cup clash.

Whilst this encounter with the Gunners can be considered the first real test that this new-look Southampton side have faced, since an undeserved defeat to Liverpool on the opening day of the season, taking 10 points from 15 should not be dismissed.

It is unlikely, but not impossible, that the Saints can keep pace with the host of clubs competing for the Champions League spots, but it is more important for Koeman’s men to take points from sides that are likely to surround them at the end of the season.

With wins against Newcastle United, Swansea City and West Ham United, they have made an impressive start to doing just that. Now comes the opportunity to show departed academy products that the club has not lost their ambition, and silence critics with an away win over Arsenal.

Southampton are 3/1 to take the spoils against the Gunners, who are expected to reshuffle their side, and set off on what could be a cathartic cup journey.