Arsenal have lost just one game in all competitions so far this season and are in amazing form but face another tough test against Southampton at St. Mary's Stadium this weekend.
The Gunners secured qualification from their Europa League group on Thursday night after Granit Xhaka scored the only goal of the game against PSV Eindhoven. Mikel Arteta's side continue to surpass expectations as they made it seven wins in a row in all competitions following the 3-1 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Arsenal have shown they have stepped up their performance level this season highlighted by the impressive wins against Liverpool and north London rivals Tottenham.
READ MORE: Arsenal complete first major contract deal as Gabriel signs new long-term extension
Gabriel Magalhaes will also be a part of the squad for the foreseeable future after signing a new long-term deal that will see him remain at the Emirates Stadium until 2027, with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and William Saliba all expected to enter talks over contract renewals in the coming weeks.
Speaking to BBC ahead of the Gunners' clash on the south-coast against the Saints, Chris Sutton believes Arsenal will continue their winning run with a comfortable win against Ralph Hassenhuttl's side. Sutton said: "Southampton helped to finish off Arsenal's hopes of making the Champions League places last season when they beat them at St Mary's in April.
"This is a very different Gunners side, though. They should have too much quality up front for Saints to deal with, and they also have more steel if things are not going well.
"Arsenal's mindset in their last win, against Leeds, epitomised that. Yes, maybe they got a break or two, but they also have the belief now that they can get through games even when they don't play well."
Chris Sutton's prediction: Southampton 0-2 Arsenal
Mark Lawrenson has tipped the Saints to cause a shock upset on Sunday afternoon and believes Arteta's team will slip up for a second time this season. Speaking to Paddy Power, the former Liverpool defender said: "You know what, I’m going to go for Southampton to win this.
"Under pressure the other night at Bournemouth, Ralph Hasenhuttl got a result and I like him as a manager. I know this will make all the Gooners angry but they’ve had a fantastic run and eventually they’ll lose a game they’re not expecting to.
"The Saints sometimes come up with displays and you wonder, ‘Where’s that come from?’ I think this might be one of them."
Mark Lawrenson's prediction: Southampton 2-1 Arsenal
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