Mikel Arteta expects another tough challenge for Arsenal at 'German' Southampton

Gunners yet to win a point since the Premier League restarted after the coronavirus lockdown

Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno, on stretcher, remonstrates with Brighton's Neal Maupay after the keeper was injured during the Premier League match at the American Express Community Stadium on Saturday. AFP

Arsenal's German goalkeeper Bernd Leno after getting injured during the match against Brighton on Saturday. AFP

Arsenal's Nicolas Pepe after scoring against Brighton. EPA

Brighton & Hove Albion's Lewis Dunk celebrates scoring his side's first goal. PA

Brighton's Neal Maupay celebrates after scoring the winner against Arsenal on Saturday. EPA

Arsenal's Sead Kolasinac, right, heads the ball during the match against Brighton & Hove Albion at the AMEX Stadium on Saturday. AP

Arsenal and Brighton players wait for a corner on Saturday. EPA

Arsenal's Nicolas Pepe tackles Brighton's Dan Burn. EPA

Brighton & Hove Albion's fans on the big screen at the American Express Community Stadium. Reuters

Arsenal's Nicolas Pepe, left, runs with the ball followed by Brighton's Dan Burn. AP

Bukayo Saka of Arsenal is challenged by Davy Propper and Adam Webster of Brighton & Hove Albion. Getty

Arsenal's Hector Bellerin in action with Brighton & Hove Albion's Dan Burn. Reuters

Arsenal subs at the American Express Community Stadium. Getty

Brighton's Dan Burn against Arsenal's Hector Bellerin. EPA

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is expecting a tough encounter against "German" Southampton as the Gunners aim to collect their first Premier League points since the restart.

Arsenal's opening 3-0 defeat at Manchester City was followed by a late loss to Brighton & Hove Albion to leave Arteta's side in 10th position.

Next up for Arsenal is a trip to a Southampton side riding high after marking their return from the three-month coronavirus lockdown with a 3-0 victory against Norwich City.

"They're a very German side," Arteta told a news conference.

"A manager who has the team into pressing mode, they're 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. They have no fear, they go for it and they really believe in what they do and they compete really well."

Ralph Hasenhuttl has helped Southampton overcome a slow start to the campaign, guiding them to victories over Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea in December and January to earn a new four-year contract earlier this month.

They are 14th in the table and could go level with 10th-placed Arsenal with a win.

Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno, who sustained a moderate ligament sprain to his right knee in the game against Brighton, is expected to return to training in four to six weeks.