Southampton vs Arsenal

Premier League Finale: Arsenal Face Already-Relegated Southampton

On the last day of the Premier League season, Arsenal—set to finish as runners-up once again—head to St Mary’s to take on Southampton, who have already confirmed their drop to the Championship.

Despite calls for Mikel Arteta to rest Declan Rice after reports of a hamstring issue, the Arsenal boss stuck with his star midfielder—a decision that paid off as Rice netted the winner in their 1-0 victory over Newcastle United. His 19th direct goal contribution this season kept the Gunners’ momentum alive after a sluggish first half, much like their previous 2-2 draw with Liverpool.

With that win, Arsenal snapped a five-game winless streak at home, secured Champions League football for next season, and need just a point on Sunday to officially seal second place—though their superior goal difference over Manchester City all but guarantees it.

Finishing as runners-up again won’t satisfy Arteta’s ambitions next season, but Arsenal have a strong track record on the final day. They’ve won more matchday 38 fixtures (23) than any other Premier League side and haven’t lost one in 20 years—their last defeat coming against Birmingham City in 2005.

For Southampton, however, defeat has been the story of their season. Another loss would mark their 30th of the campaign—a new Premier League record for most defeats in a single season. While they avoided the humiliation of being the league’s worst-ever team (surpassing Derby County’s infamous 11-point tally from 2007-08), their struggles have been relentless.

Last weekend, interim boss Simon Rusk oversaw a 2-0 loss to Everton at Goodison Park, with Iliman Ndiaye’s first-half brace sealing their fate. Now, Rusk will take charge one final time before Southampton appoint a permanent manager—with Lens’ Will Still reportedly among the frontrunners.

Southampton can take some encouragement from their home record against Arsenal—all eight of their Premier League wins in this fixture have come at St Mary’s, including a victory in April 2022. However, the Gunners overturned an early scare to win 3-1 in the reverse fixture this season.

With little left to play for, Arsenal will aim to end their campaign on a high, while Southampton look to avoid an unwanted piece of history.