Mikel Arteta did something for the first time in 148 Premier League matches during Arsenal’s clash with Southampton

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Arsenal face Southampton in their final match of the 2024-25 season.

Mikel Arteta has rung the changes after Champions League qualification was secured with a 1-0 victory over Newcastle and Declan Rice captains the side for the first time.

Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney are handed rare starts, whilst Raheem Sterling also plays on the wing in what will likely be his last game for the club.

Ethan Nwaneri’s Arsenal future is uncertain following the latest contract talks and the Hale End star is also handed the opportunity from the start as Arteta has also done something for the first time in 148 Premier League matches.

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Arsenal without William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes for first time in 148 Premier League matches

The Gunners have named a starting eleven without centre back duo William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes for the first time in 148 Premier League matches.

The run stretches back to the club’s humiliating 5-0 defeat to Manchester City back in August 2021 and shows the importance of the partnership.

Saliba has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, whilst Gabriel is still recovering from surgery on the same injury sustained against Fulham at the beginning of April.

It means that Ben White and Jakub Kiwior partner each other for the clash with Southampton and will be hoping for a clean sheet with goalkeeper David Raya still in with a chance of earning the Golden Glove award.

William Saliba’s season over after France squad omission

It means that Saliba has kicked his final ball this season after he was omitted from France’s latest squad for the upcoming international matches.

The defender will end the season with 51 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions and has once again been a key figure at the heart of the defence.

Andrea Berta is close to an agreement with Saliba over a new contract at the Emirates Stadium and that will be a huge sigh of relief to Arsenal supporters.

They will be hoping that after a restful summer Saliba and Gabriel can return in pre-season to continue their partnership that is widely regarded among the best in world football.