Mikel Arteta says February is the perfect time for Arsenal to “get some momentum going”.
The Gunners are three points off the top of the Premier League, with four home games in the space of three weeks, including fixtures against leaders Leicester City and a Champions League last-16 first leg against Barcelona.
Arsène Wenger’s side were beaten 4-0 by Tuesday’s opponents, Southampton, at Christmas and Arteta says they now have a chance to make amends.
"It's a very busy period, so let's be strong at home, and pick up these points to get some momentum going"
“We have to accept that on Boxing Day they were the better team and they were up for it more than us on the night,” Arteta told the matchday programme. “It's up to us to make sure that is not the case on Tuesday evening.
“Hopefully it will be a different game, with a dominant Arsenal giving everything to win. We need to get a run going now after some dropped points. It's a very important stage of the season.
“Southampton are an excellent side though, they always make it hard against us - they push high up and have a lot of talented players. It's a good test.
“They are strong all over the pitch, they especially have a very good midfield. I think Victor Wanyama is very physical and strong, and I also think Steven Davis is a very underrated player, I like him a lot. Further forward they have Tadic who can be dangerous in the No 10 area. He has the ability to dictate play.
“It's a very busy period, so let's be strong at home, and pick up these points to get some momentum going.”
Programme cover - Southampton
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