Mikel Arteta defended his Arsenal squad after their FA Cup quarterfinal exit at the hands of Southampton, insisting the blame lies with him, not the players. The Gunners’ hopes of a quadruple season have now been dented, having exited two domestic cup competitions within two weeks.
Arsenal remains focused on their two remaining competitions, the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League, as they look to maintain their title challenge.
“I love my players. What they’ve done for nine months Criticise them because we lost a game here in the manner that they tried and the way they are putting their bodies through everything? I’m not going to do it at all. I’m going to defend them more than ever. If someone has to take responsibility, that’s me,” Arteta told reporters post match as quoted by Yahoo Sports.
Arteta’s remarks come in the context of a difficult fortnight for Arsenal, who have seen their ambitions for domestic cup glory falter. Injuries, like the apparent knee problem suffered by defender Gabriel Magalhaes during the Southampton game, combined with the physical and mental toll of competing on multiple fronts, have forced the head coach to publicly shield his squad from criticism.
“I don’t want to put any excuses about the players that are missing or the players that are here with issues. Let’s look at ourselves in the mirror, accept the situation, rebel against it, and go again to Portugal with freshness, clarity, and focus,” he added, emphasising the need to bounce back.
ALL EYES ON EUROPE AND PREMIER LEAGUE
Southampton, a Championship side, took the lead through Ross Stewart in the 35th minute, but Viktor Gykeres came off the bench to equalise for Arsenal in the second half. Just as extra time loomed, Shea Charles finished calmly from the edge of the box to seal the upset.
Earlier in the game, Arsenal were further hampered by the loss of Gabriel Magalhes, which left the Premier League leaders vulnerable at the back. Despite these setbacks, Arteta insists the team must stay focused and mentally ready for their upcoming UEFA Champions League quarterfinal against Sporting CP on April 8, before returning to Premier League action at home against Bournemouth on April 11.
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