Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta describes Saints as a 'very German side'

Arteta has also warned his players that they will need to be at their best if they are to leave St Mary's with a win on Thursday.

The Gunners have lost to both Manchester City and Brighton since Premier League action resumed last week.

Speaking about Saints, Arteta said: "They are a very German side.

"A manager who has the team into pressing mode, they are really aggressive, really good on the counter-press, really good on the transition, they know what they're doing and they all seem very committed to him. A very dangerous team.

"I know it's a really difficult ground to go to there. 

"They have no fear, they go for it and they really believe in what they do and they compete really, really well. We have to be ready and I'm sure on Thursday we will be ready."

Arteta also defender his players after they faced strong criticism following their defeats to Man City and Brighton.

David Luiz was sent off away to City, with Matteo Guendouzi grabbing Seagulls striker Neal Maupay's throat after the final whistle.

"I think [my players] are really willing and they are trying really hard, and I was really upset [at Brighton] because when I was talking about competing it is for 100 minutes. 

"Now these types of games have water breaks and the amount of changes with substitutions that you can make, so you have to keep focus.

"I hate losing, but I hate giving games away when they are under control and you deserve to win them. 

"So it is about that edge, the way they run, the way they press, the way they care: it is completely changed and I am satisfied with that.

"We did more than enough to win that game, but at the end of the day in the Premier League, at this level, if you give something to the opponent in some moments, it is going to be difficult to win football games."