Premier League preview: Arsenal v Southampton

Arsenal were back to their best against Liverpool during the third round of the Premier League but face a tough task at home to Southampton.

Arsene Wenger’s troops drew blanks in the opening two rounds of domestic football, claiming draws against Sunderland and Stoke respectively.

But Arsenal finally found their range and fluidity at Anfield, with new signings Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla hitting the back of the net in a 2-0 victory.

Cazorla, a 16-million-pound recruit from La Liga outfit Malaga, is thriving in his new surroundings at Emirates Stadium.

“They paid a lot of money for me and the role they have given me is the one that I like,” the Spanish international said.

“I am not finding it hard to adapt. I like the way the team plays.

“Wenger’s philosophy is to have control of the game and I like being in contact with the ball. The boss is putting me in a position behind the striker with all the freedom that I like to have.”

The title hopefuls, who are looking to win their first piece of silverware since lifting the 2005 FA Cup, are set to welcome back number one goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny from injury.

Southampton, however, are not to be underestimated.

Despite sitting at the foot of the Premier League table without a win, Southampton have attracted plenty of plaudits for their style of play.

The league’s newcomers hit the front against defending champions Manchester City before losing 3-2 at Etihad Stadium.

Nigel Adkins’ men were not at their best against Wigan but produced another stellar display at home to Manchester United, which was ultimately decided by a Robin Van Persie hat-trick late in the game.

The club’s form also earned captain Adam Lallana a call-up to the England squad for Tuesday’s fixture against Ukraine.

Southampton’s last trip to London for a Premier League match against Arsenal in 2004 resulted in a 2-2 draw.