Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl believes that Arsenal should not be underestimated as his side prepare to go toe-to-toe with them on Thursday in the Premier League.
The Saints got off to the perfect start as the campaign resumed following the temporary suspension of proceedings, with a stunning 3-0 victory away to Norwich City at Carrow Road.
Back in November, the Austrian tactician’s team were seconds away from a famous victory at the Emirates in the reverse fixture, only for the game to end 2-2.
Their north London opponents have fallen to back-to-back defeats against Manchester City and Brighton since the restart as European football looks to be drifting away from them.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Hasenhuttl acknowledged the threats that Arsenal carries despite their recent poor form.
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“He [Arteta] has a strong team – it’s never or a good moment [to play them],” he said.
“It’s always difficult because they have quality, they have fantastic players and it’s always to play the game.
“Even if they have a few injuries, the quality is so big they can absolutely hit back immediately and if you give them a little space, they are unstoppable with their speed.
“We must really take care, really pay attention of everything and finally make it a very good game.”
Southampton have struggled at home this season, having won just four out of their 15 Premier League games under the St Mary’s lights.
Despite this, Thursday’s affair could be the game that changes their fortunes on the South Coast. With the Gunners having lost twice in gut-wrenching fashion, the Saints have the capacity to keep their shoddy run going.
