Arteta wins EPL Manager of the Month award ahead of the most crucial month in his coaching career

Following a shaky start to the year in January and February, Arsenal stabilized their form in March and were perfect in the Premier League with three wins in as many matches, which secured their boss, Mikel Arteta, his eighth Manager of the Month award and his first in the current campaign.

The Gunners recorded three close triumphs - 2-1 against Chelsea, 1-0 against Brighton, and 2-0 against Everton - which could eventually prove decisive in the title race against Manchester City, as they are currently nine points up at the top of the EPL table, though the Cityzens have one game in hand.

Even though they did not shine and at some points seriously struggled, Arsenal maintained a perfect score in March. A win over Mansfield in the FA Cup and progress to the Champions League quarter-finals past Bayer Leverkusen could have made the previous month absolutely ideal for the North London side, though the defeat to City in the EFL Cup final cast a small shadow on their results.

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Either way, Arteta caught up with Martin O'Neill and Harry Redknapp in the sixth place of the Premier League all-time list of the coaches with most Manager of the Month awards, topping a shortlist featuring Eddie Howe (Newcastle), Fabian Hurzeler (Brighton), Regis Le Bris (Sunderland), and David Moyes (Everton), who all were in contention for the March accolade.

However, for the Spaniard and his lads, the most critical month will be the current one, as they'll fight their decisive battles in the Premier League title race, including the epic one against Man City at Etihad Stadium in 15 days.

Still, before turning to the EPL and UCL challenges, the Gunners will have to overcome another FA Cup obstacle, as they face Southampton on the road tonight (22.00).

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At first glance, the seventh-placed Championship side does not seem like a tough task, though the oldest national football competition in the world has produced some much bigger surprises over the years.

The Saints have been in fantastic form lately, on a 14-game unbeaten run, having lost their last match on January 17 to Hull City.

Hence, the Gunners must be cautious and take tonight's opponent seriously. Otherwise, they may be in for another cup exit in the span of two weeks.

FA CUP - QUARTER-FINALS

Saturday

14.45: (1.80) Man City (4.10) Liverpool (3.90)

19.15: (1.05) Chelsea (12.5) Port Vale (33.0)

22.00: (9.50) Southampton (5.80) Arsenal (1.30)

Sunday

18.30: (2.45) West Ham (3.55) Leeds (2.80)

***odds are subject to change***