Taylor Harwood-Bellis relishes Arsenal and Man City clashes despite Saints' fate | OneFootball

Taylor Harwood-Bellis has insisted that Southampton's squad should be looking forward to encounters with Arsenal and Manchester City and that they "can get points". The two Premier League giants are two of the Saints' final three opponents left in the top flight this season.

Manchester City visit St Mary's this Saturday (May 10) before interim manager Simon Rusk takes his troops to Goodison Park to face Everton on May 18. The Saints' final game comes against Champions League semi-finalists Arsenal on May 25.

A 2-0 defeat away to Leicester City last weekend confirmed the club will finish the season rock-bottom. It's been a tough time back among the English elite but Harwood-Bellis wants to finish it on a high.

Harwood-Bellis not "wishing away" games against Arsenal & Man City

The Saints defender is up for the challenge | ADRIAN DENNIS/GettyImages

The Saints have barely been able to enjoy their return to the Premier League, managing just two wins and 28 defeats in 35 games. The game against Leicester was a good opportunity to get a positive result given the turmoil ensuing at the King Power but it wasn't to be.

Harwood-Bellis spoke about the situation ahead of facing former club Manchester City and suggested it's the worst he's felt in his career (via The Daily Echo):

"It's not a situation that's enjoyable. It's hard. I don't think anyone can say that it's not hurting us or anything like that. Out there in the dressing room is probably the worst I've felt. I can see it on the boys' faces. It's not a nice feeling to have."

The one-cap England international joined the Saints from City on loan last season before sealing a permanent £20m move. He talked up facing Pep Guardiola's Cityzens, who are still chasing a top-five finish as well as Mikel Arteta's fallen title challengers, Arsenal:

"You're playing in the Premier League, and you've got three games left. It's not something that I'm wishing away or wanting to get over and done with. We're going to play against Man City and Arsenal. They're games that you want to play as a kid."

The last time the St Mary's outfit prevailed in the league was on February 1st, when they won 2-1 away against Ipswich Town. Their other victory came against Everton in a 1-0 home win in November, although this was before David Moyes' return.

Harwood-Bellis remained upbeat regarding getting something from the remaining three fixtures:

"I think if we go out there and try and play it as if we're enjoying it and have a bit of freedom, I do think we can get the points."

A defeat to City will set an unwanted record as it will take the club up to 29 for the season, equalling the highest number of losses in a 20-team Premier League campaign. But the last three games gives the players a chance to prove themselves ahead of a return to the EFL Championship next season.