The stats and facts – 10 things about Southampton v Arsenal

Arsenal will hope to continue their march to the Premier League title by picking up a win over Southampton tonight, while the Saints aim for a top 10 finish

Well here are 10 stats and facts (courtesy of OPTA) you ought to know about the two sides before their game at St. Mary’s tonight:

1. Southampton have four players to have played in every Premier League game this season – more than any other team in the league so far (Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, Jay Rodriguez and James Ward-Prowse).

2. In their opening 11 Premier League matches, Southampton conceded just five goals but have shipped in 20 in their last 11 games.

3. The last time Southampton beat Arsenal was back in November 2002 (ending in a 3-2 triumph).

4. Since returning to the top flight of English football, the Saints have come up against the Gunners three times, with Arsene Wenger’s men not picking up a single card in those matches.

5. 53% of Arsenal’s shots have hit the target so far this season – the best accuracy rate in the Premier League.

6. The Gunners have scored more headed goals (9) than any other side in the Premier League.

7. 68% of Arsenal’s goals conceded this season have come in the second half – the highest proportion in the league.

8. Jack Wilshere has hit a good run of form recently, scoring one and assisting three of Arsenal’s last four Premier League goals.

9. In their last 21 Premier League matches, only Manchester City has managed to score more than one goal against Arsenal.

10. In their last eight Premier League games against the Saints, Arsenal have won five and lost none, but have managed to pick up just five points in their last four trips to St. Mary’s (W1 D2 L1).