Mikel Arteta has taken responsibility for Arsenal’s FA Cup quarter-final exit at Southampton. The Premier League leaders blew a chance to return to Wembley after losing to Championship opposition at St Mary’s.
Southampton Stun Premier League Leaders
Ross Stewart put Southampton ahead, capitalising on errors from Martin Odegaard and Ben White. Leo Scienza then hit the crossbar, before Viktor Gyokeres equalised for Arsenal as a substitute. Shea Charles sealed a 2-1 victory for Southampton, sending them to the FA Cup semi-finals.
Arteta expressed his disappointment at the loss. He stated, “Really disappointed in the manner that we lost the opportunity to get back to Wembley.”
Despite the defeat, Arteta defended his players. “I love my players. What they have done for nine months, I’m not going to criticise them because we lost a game here in the manner that they tried and the way they are putting their bodies through everything.”
He added that some players “probably didn’t even have to be here today” and asserted he would “defend them more than ever”.
Arteta Accepts Blame, Looks Ahead
“Someone has to take responsibility. That’s me and we have the most beautiful period of the season ahead of us,” Arteta said. He acknowledged the season has difficult moments, stating, “In the season, you always have moments, normally two or three. This is the first moment that we have with a certain level of difficulty.”
Arteta added, “If this is a difficult period, I believe there are many other ones that are much more difficult, so let’s stand up, make yourself comfortable and deliver like we’ve been doing all season.”
Injury Concerns for Arsenal
Arsenal face Sporting in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday. Gabriel Magalhaes is a doubt for the trip to Lisbon. He limped off in the second half, having previously withdrawn from the Brazil squad with a knee issue.
“I don’t know,” Arteta said of the issue. “I think he felt something. I don’t know exactly what it is. We’re going to have to assess him. But obviously when a player asks him to be substituted, it’s not good news.”
Southampton’s Manager Hails Victory
Southampton will play play-off rivals Wrexham on Tuesday. Tonda Eckert, the Southampton head coach, hailed the victory. He said, “I think the club has been craving for a moment like this for a long time.” Eckert added, “I think that we’ve suffered over a longer spell, and it’s just so important that we get that atmosphere back to St Mary’s how it should be.”
Arsenal boast a nine-point lead at the top of the Premier League.