Southampton can end Arsenal's Champions League qualifying record, says Ronald Koeman
RONALD KOEMAN believes Southampton can stop Arsenal qualifying for the Champions League for an 18th year in a row.
Arsene Wenger has never finished outside the top four since replacing Bruce Rioch in 1996 but that proud record is under threat ahead of today's trip to St Mary's.
Fourth-placed Saints can open up a three-point lead over Arsenal with a win after a sensational first half of the season.
Koeman said: "Maybe finishing above Arsenal was unrealistic before the season and maybe that changed a little because of how we played until now.
"The Premier League is a really strong competition. Arsenal have to play in the Champions League again after February and that means a lot of games for them.
"It is always hard to keep fresh physically and mentally and this is a chance for us to show that we are growing.
"I think we can finish above them because we are know we are halfway through the season and we have played all the teams. I believe still that we can fight for a top place in the league."
Saints were written off as relegation candidates after selling £97m worth of players and it would be a staggering achievement to qualify for Europe only four years ago after playing in League One.
Koeman added: "You have to understand the situation, understand the club, the possibilities and the chances to reach Europe.
"That is a big challenge for the players but it means the same for the fans and for the club. It would be unbelievable if you look back to the history of the last few years."
RONALD KOEMAN believes Southampton can stop Arsenal qualifying for the Champions League for an 18th year in a row.
Arsene Wenger has never finished outside the top four since replacing Bruce Rioch in 1996 but that proud record is under threat ahead of today's trip to St Mary's.
Fourth-placed Saints can open up a three-point lead over Arsenal with a win after a sensational first half of the season.
Koeman said: "Maybe finishing above Arsenal was unrealistic before the season and maybe that changed a little because of how we played until now.
"The Premier League is a really strong competition. Arsenal have to play in the Champions League again after February and that means a lot of games for them.
"It is always hard to keep fresh physically and mentally and this is a chance for us to show that we are growing.
"I think we can finish above them because we are know we are halfway through the season and we have played all the teams. I believe still that we can fight for a top place in the league."
Saints were written off as relegation candidates after selling £97m worth of players and it would be a staggering achievement to qualify for Europe only four years ago after playing in League One.
Koeman added: "You have to understand the situation, understand the club, the possibilities and the chances to reach Europe.
"That is a big challenge for the players but it means the same for the fans and for the club. It would be unbelievable if you look back to the history of the last few years."
Southampton can end Arsenal's Champions League qualifying record, says Ronald Koeman
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