Arteta sends a strong message to Arsenal players after FA Cup shocking defeat
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has called on his squad to respond positively following their elimination from the FA Cup quarter-finals, as focus now shifts towards their upcoming matches in both the Champions League and the Premier League.
The North London side suffered a 2-1 defeat against Southampton FC at St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday evening, April 4, 2026. Goals from Ross Stewart and Shea Charles secured victory for the hosts, while Viktor Gyökeres found the net for Arsenal, as their quadruple dream went up in smoke.
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With attention now turning to their Champions League quarter-final first-leg clash against Sporting CP, the manager emphasised that the remaining weeks of the season will be decisive and require strong character from his players.
Shifting focus
“We have the most important period in both competitions ahead of us, and it’s now the moment when you have a difficult moment in the season, to show what we are made of – and it is now we have to show who we are,” Arteta explained.
Arteta admitted the team was deeply disappointed to miss out on a return to Wembley but acknowledged their opponents’ achievement.
“Obviously, we’re very disappointed. We wanted to get back to Wembley as quickly as possible, and we haven’t managed to do that – so first of all, congratulations to Southampton for being there,” Arteta noted.
Reflecting on the match itself, Arteta noted that his side controlled several periods of the game and created scoring opportunities but failed to make the most of them. At the same time, he pointed out defensive lapses in areas where the team usually performs strongly, which ultimately proved costly.
“The game had moments, we had moments, where we had a lot of dominance from our side, and chances, and situations in and around the box that we didn’t capitalise on enough. And then we have to accept we were poor in and around our box defending situations that normally we are excellent at. We paid the price,” he said.
The contest remained competitive throughout, with chances appearing for both teams before Charles struck late in the 85th minute to settle the match in favour of Southampton.
Need for improvement
Arteta also highlighted the need for improvement in both attacking and defensive areas, stressing that failing to perform effectively in key zones can leave teams vulnerable, especially against opponents in good form.
“100 per cent [we have to do better in both boxes], and that’s what you have to do well. If you don’t, you put yourself in a really difficult position, against a good team on a good run.”
Finally, the Arsenal boss expressed sympathy for the supporters, noting the squad’s desire to reward their loyalty but admitting they fell short despite fighting until the final whistle.
He said: “We’re very sad because we want to give them joy and give them back what they showed again tonight – unfortunately, we couldn’t do that, we tried until the last seconds. But there are certain things you have to do in football if you want to win.” Mikel Arteta said.
Southampton will join Manchester City, who trashed Liverpool, and Chelsea, who proved too strong for Port Vale.
