Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith has claimed that Premier League teams could become 'scared' of the high-flying Gunners. Arsenal are top of the Premier League table, and while Manchester City are hot on their heels, Mikel Arteta's side are the team to beat.
The Gunners have improved hugely this season, managing to put last term's disappointment at missing out on the top four behind them. One of the defeats that proved costly in Arsenal missing out on Champions League qualification last season was a 1-0 loss at Southampton in April.
However, ahead of this season's meeting between the two clubs in Hampshire, Smith believes Arsenal are a different team compared to the last campaign. Smith has outlined the improved mentality and increased confidence as the two main differences for Arsenal compared to last season.
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"Mentality. There’s one or two different players, [but it's] the mentality," Smith told Sky Sports' Super Sunday.
"We saw them against Leeds last week where they certainly didn’t produce the best football but got through it, and in years gone by they wouldn’t. It’s the dressing room, the away dressing room, they’ll be going out thinking they will win it.
"When Southampton look at their opponents, I think they’re beginning to exude the confidence, ability and players will become scared of them - that’s an advantage before you’ve kicked off."
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