That said, the north London do still mathematically need a point to seal a top-two finish as there is a scenario – albeit an highly unlikely one – where they slip to third behind Manchester City.
Regardless of the outcome, Arteta will be absent from the dugout at St Mary’s as a result of time-wasting during the 1-0 win over Newcastle.
Why is Mikel Arteta banned for Arsenal at Southampton?
Arteta was shown a yellow card by referee Simon Hooper for kicking a ball back onto the pitch as Newcastle defender Emil Krafth was waiting to take a throw-in.
That meant the Spaniard had been booked three times across all competitions this season, and therefore, he will be absent from the touchline this afternoon.
Unlike rules for players, there is no cut-off point for bookings for managers. Therefore a manager can be at risk of a suspension for three bookings right up until the penultimate fixture of the season.
