As fortnight's go it's been a pretty damaging one for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal. Every week at this stage of the season feels more important than the last but this weekend's clash with Southampton does feel like it carries that extra bit of weight.
Following the trip to St. Mary's the Gunners have a horrible run of fixtures that sees them face Chelsea, Manchester United, West Ham and Tottenham in the space of five matches. Win on Saturday and you feel their slim top hopes are still alive, but anything less and it seems nigh on impossible to drag anything from the flames.
As a result it's going to be essential that Arteta gets his team selection right for the trip to the South Coast. Going into this back end of the season Arsenal were always taking a risk with such a slim squad, but with key players unlikely to be available against Saints, it does feel as though Arteta is managing slightly with his hands behind his back.
