Bloodied Saints face Gunners

LONDON. – Arsenal are united as a club and are in the process of creating something special despite a turbulent start to the season, manager Arsene Wenger said yesterday.

Arsenal, who beat West Bromwich Albion 1-0 on Saturday, have lacked consistency this season and are sixth in the English Premier League table, 13 points behind leaders Chelsea.

Wenger has come under increasing pressure from frustrated fans and supporters unveiled a banner that read “thanks for the memories but it’s time to say goodbye” during the victory at West Brom.

But speaking ahead of Arsenal’s match against Southampton at the Emirates tonight, Wenger, who has been in charge of the Gunners for 18 years, said he was unaffected by the criticism.

“We are internally very united,” Wenger told a news conference.

“Our job is to be competitive and to fight and we are creating something special inside the club. But that has to come out through performances and games won. That’s the best way to unite everybody.”

Arsenal’s progress has not been helped by a number of injuries and defenders Nacho Monreal and Kieran Gibbs face a battle to face the Saints.

First-choice goalkeepers Wojciech Szczesny and David Ospina are still injured along with midfielders Mesut Ozil, Jack Wilshere and Mikel Arteta.

Third-placed Southampton travel to the Emirates on the back of a 3-0 home defeat by Manchester City on Sunday, but Wenger believes they are in the running for a top-four finish.

“Southampton are stable at the back and their new signings have integrated well,” he said.

“If they can maintain their run, they can challenge for Champions League places. But it’s a big game and an opportunity to show consistency in our results.”

Meanwhile, a 3-0 reality check at the hands of Manchester City was always a moment waiting to happen for Southampton.

Just how they bounce back from Sunday’s defeat may now determine their fortunes this season.

Clues to the answer could come as early as today with a trip to Arsenal in the English Premier League.

“There is no time to be any more disappointed about one result,” Saints boss Ronald Koeman told reporters on Monday. “It was three points, and Wednesday (today) is another one. – AFP.