This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Southampton striker Michael Obafemi has been speaking to The Daily Echo following the 2-2 draw against Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday.

The Irish forward made his first Premier League start of the campaign against the Gunners, and proceeded to deliver an impressive display having made two key passes while also drawing two fouls.

Obafemi, 19, also could have scored were it not for Cedric’s mindlessly over-hit cross, when all he had to do was roll the ball into the teenager’s path.

What did he say?

Speaking to The Daily Echo, Obafemi said: “I was buzzing to be playing and I think I showed out on the pitch why I should be starting.

“I just kept my head down and kept working hard and waited for my chance to come. I feel like I am doing well at the moment, so hopefully I can carry on doing that.”

All depends on Ralph Hasenhuttl’s selections

Ralph Hasenhuttl has been a hard man to predict so far this season when it comes to team selections and formations.

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The Austrian has played Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg at left-back and Stuart Armstrong at right-back – both players are naturally midfielders – whereas the former RB Leipzig boss has used six different tactical systems in 13 Premier League outings so far this term.

Obafemi’s hopes of starting rest on whether or not Hasenhuttl opts to play with two strikers up front, with him going with a 4-3-3 formation at Arsenal at the weekend. The Republic of Ireland international seemingly only started because Moussa Djenepo – who has been one of the club’s most important players this term despite his lack of game time through injury – wasn’t ready having only just travelled back from international duty.

With Nathan Redmond often playing in the front two when it has been used so far this season, Obafemi still has a lot of work to do to work his way in. This is especially the case if Hasenhuttl sticks with the three up top tactic he deployed against Arsenal, as it will be tough to dislodge the in-form Danny Ings from the starting XI right now.

Obafemi did his chances of another start no harm in north London on Saturday, but his hopes may no longer rest in his hands.

Elsewhere, take a look at how Southampton fans responded to an unpopular figure eyeing up Hasenhuttl’s job…