Chambers - I owe a lot to Southampton

Calum Chambers says Southampton’s academy made him the player he is now - and he is relishing the opportunity to face them again.

The defender joined Arsenal in the summer after spending 12 years with the Saints but has already played against them in the Capital One Cup.

Ahead of their first Premier League clash on Wednesday, Chambers thanked his former club and praised their blistering start to the season.

“I’m really excited,” the 19-year-old said. “We played Southampton in the Capital One Cup a few months ago and that was a really good game for me. It will be a bit weird because I was at the club for 12 years but I relish the opportunity.

“I owe a lot to Southampton. They made me the player and the person I am today. We had a good age group coming through and we got educated really well in their fantastic academy.

“They’ve got a really good team now and I’m pleased they’re doing well. Ronald Koeman brought in some good players and they’ve all started the season really well.

“I’m happy to see Nathaniel Clyne doing so well. He was a team-mate of mine and we had a really healthy relationship because our competition pushed us both on. I’m also really impressed with how quickly their new players have adapted to the team.”