THIS time last week, Saints supporters and possibly Ralph Hasenhuttl and his players were very anxious looking at the Premier League table.

Alright, it was only after 10 games, but we were in the relegation positions in the league – and looking at the fixtures coming up, if you ever had to start winning, it was now.

Sometimes, the most difficult matches are the ones against the teams closest to you up the road. Full marks to Ralph and the team for a 1-0 win at AFC Bournemouth.

It is only just over 30 miles to Bournemouth and some wouldn’t call it a derby – but I would. Opposing supporters will be friends and possibly work together during the week.

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The next game coming up tomorrow just happens to be Arsenal, who are top of the league at the moment and look really good.

Then, it is the likes of Newcastle United – who are flying at the moment - and Liverpool.

Full marks particularly to Che Adams for a fine header which hit the back of the net and probably made the short journey back full of singing and laughter on the team bus.

Let’s put that to one side now because the challenge of tomorrow’s visitors is enormous. Arsenal are top of the table because they have won every game except one.

I think even a draw would be more than acceptable for Saints and their supporters at the moment.

To be fair, Saints have possibly had more problems fitness and injuries-wise than most clubs at this early stage of the season.

Squads are much bigger these days and I’m sure the win this week will help settle the first-team selection for the next matches and possibly give the manager his strongest XI.

I suppose one problem could be that one of the players who has stepped up to help in the last two performances was midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

Unfortunately, he cannot play against Arsenal – not because of any injury but because he is on loan from the Gunners for the season.

In the small print of those deals is that he can play against any team in any game, with the exception of playing against them.

It’s an interesting situation. Will he be in the dressing room helping out the lads or will he quietly be wanting Arsenal to continue winning every game?

I’m sure Ralph will either have him in the back of the stand and to stay there or will be quizzing him to find out more about Mikel Arteta and his players!

Theo Walcott was lauded as a good signing last summer but hasn’t been seen much on the pitch. It was interesting to notice he was again a substitute at Bournemouth.

However, after helping to lead the warm-ups before the match, he sat alongside the coaches on the front bench during the game with the rest of the players behind.

With his age and experience, does it mean he is heading more towards that kind of leadership role with the coaches?

With his academy and local experience, I’m sure it would be good to have around on the pitch and off. We will have to wait and see.

Hopefully, the Bournemouth win will lift everybody because, after Arsenal, there are still three more tough league games before an unusual World Cup break.

Crystal Palace, Newcastle and Liverpool – it is typical of the Premier League because there are no easy games. The quality and strength of the league is what attracts players from all around the world.

Let’s hope Saints can carry on from where they left off and climb to a better position.

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