Mikel Arteta has backed his Arsenal side and taken full responsibility for their shock 2-1 defeat to Southampton on Saturday night, which saw them crash out of the FA Cup on Saturday.
The Gunners had seen their hopes of a quadruple end with defeat to Manchester City in the EFL Cup final before the international break and suffered another cup exit to the Championship side this time around.
This leaves them with only the Premier League and Champions League to fight for, as they hope to finally end their six-year wait for a major trophy.
Speaking after the surprise defeat, Arteta absolved his team of any blame and has backed them to bounce back to form.
“I love my players, what they have done for nine months. I’m not going to criticise them for losing here”, Arteta said.
“What they are putting their bodies through, some didn’t have to be here today. I’ll defend them more than ever. If someone has to take responsibility that’s me.”
Martin Odegaard scuffed an early chance, before Max Dowman was denied by the Southampton goalkeeper.
The hosts then took a shock lead in the 35th minute as Ross Stewart headed home after Ben White had mistimed his jump.
Kai Havertz then set Victor Gyokeres up for the equalizer in the 68th minute, keeping Arsenal’s hopes alive.
However, Southampton struck the killer blow in the 85th minute as substitute Shea Charles fired home after a quick break.
Southampton sealed a shock win to advance to the semifinal of the FA Cup for a potential meeting against Manchester City, Chelsea, West Ham United or Leeds United.
“We have the most beautiful period ahead of us. Normally you have two or three moments like this in a season, this is the first moment with level of difficulty. Let’s stand up, make ourselves count”, Arteta concluded.
Arsenal will hope to bounce back when they visit Sporting Lisbon in their Champions League last eight encounter on Tuesday night.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
