Southampton have had a rough time of it this season - even more so than when they were facing relegation in the 1993-94 season.

Saints ended up finishing 18th, just like the year before and to make things worse, they got knocked out of the FA Cup and League Cup early on – a proper nightmare. 

They started the league season badly, losing their first three games and ending up at the bottom. 

The boss even changed mid-season, with Alan Ball taking over from Ian Branfoot in January, trying to shake things up. 

Then came Arsenal to The Dell on March 19, 1994 - exactly 31 years ago today - and it was a different story for them. 

While Saints were fighting for their lives, Arsenal, managed by George Graham, were a top team. 

Just under 17,000 fans turned up at The Dell to watch and the game really showed the gap between a team struggling and a Premier League big gun.  

But really the story of the match was all about Ian Wright's deadly finishing.

In the 18th minute, Wrighty headed in a cross from Ian Selley – poor Dave Beasant in the Saints goal had no chance. Wright’s header showed how good he was in the air and at finding space. 

This early goal put even more pressure on Southampton. Arsenal's attack, well-drilled by their manager, looked dangerous every time they went forward.  

Around the half-hour mark (30 mins), Wright struck again. This time, Anders Limpar set him up with a neat pass, and Wright volleyed it home. The link-up between Limpar and Wright was brilliant. For Saints, conceding two goals so early showed their defensive problems, which had been a theme all season.  

Southampton did have Matt Le Tissier, who was always a threat. He was their top scorer that season with an impressive 25 league goals. But even Le Tissier's magic couldn't get past Arsenal's defense, especially with David Seaman in goal. 

Seaman was on top form and was a big reason why Arsenal were so solid at the back that season. He even made a great save from a Jeff Kenna shot. 

Southampton just couldn't create enough chances apart from Le Tissier, highlighting their struggles at both ends of the pitch.  

Arsenal kept control in the second half. In the 69th minute, Ken Monkou brought down Anders Limpar in the box, and the ref pointed to the spot. Up stepped Ian Wright, who slotted home the penalty to complete his hat-trick. 

This was Wright's second hat-trick in a row in the Prem – the guy was on fire!

With the game wrapped up, Kevin Campbell added a fourth goal in the 85th minute. 

Southampton made a couple of changes in the 64th minute, bringing on Paul Allen for Steve Wood and Nicky Banger for Craig Maskell . 

Arsenal subbed Alan Smith on for Anders Limpar in the 80th minute . 

There were also a few yellow cards - Paul Allen and Kenneth Monkou for Southampton, and Anders Limpar for Arsenal.  

This was a tough loss for Saints as they were fighting to stay in the Premier League.

They did manage to stay up in the end, but this hammering by Arsenal wouldn't have helped their confidence.