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Sokratis issues rallying cry ahead of Saints clash

Cape Town - Sokratis Papastathopoulos says Arsenal "have the quality" to get their campaign back on track, as they look to claim all three points against Southampton on Saturday.

It has been a difficult season for the Gunners so far under Unai Emery.

They had a solid start to the season with victories in their opening two games, but inconsistency has dogged Arsenal's campaign since.

They are currently on a run of four Premier League games without a win and are sat sixth in the table, eight points adrift of a top-four spot.

Emery has come under increasing scrutiny in recent weeks and the tide is beginning to turn on the Spaniard after failing to rectify their defensive issues - the Gunners have conceded 17 goals in 12 matches so far this season.

However, Sokratis insists they can turn their poor form around against Southampton on Saturday but says they must head into the game in a calm frame of mind.

"It is a season that has a difficult moment, but we have still a lot of time and we need to improve, we need to play better and of course we have the time to do it. We also have the quality to do it," the Greece international told Arsenal Player.

"When the results are going good, it is of course very good for the team [that the players are all close] because it gives us confidence. The team needs confidence and calm to show the quality we have. This will give confidence also."

The match against Southampton, who currently occupy 19th spot in the Premier League table, marks the start of three games which could define their season.

An away trip to Norwich follows on December 1 before they play Brighton at home four days later.

Arsenal also have their final two matches in the Europa League group stages to look forward to, though they are faring much better in the competition, which is a speciality of Emery's, as he won the title in three consecutive seasons with Sevilla.

They are top on ten points after four games, four clear of Standard Liege and Eintracht Frankfurt, who are deadlocked on six points.

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