What did Arteta say when Arsenal was eliminated from the FA Cup by a lower-tier team?

Manager Mikel Arteta openly took responsibility after Arsenal delivered a major disappointment, losing 1-2 to Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

The defeat at St Mary's Stadium not only cost the Gunners a trip to Wembley but also ended their ambition to win multiple trophies this season.

Speaking after the match, Arteta could not hide his disappointment, especially regarding how his team squandered opportunities. "I am truly disappointed with how we let slip the chance to return to Wembley. We had many moments of control in the match, created chances, but failed to capitalize," the Spanish strategist shared.

Nevertheless, instead of criticizing his players, Arteta strongly defended them. He emphasized that what Arsenal's players have accomplished over the past nine months is commendable and cannot be negated by one defeat. "I love my players. They gave everything. Some were not even in their best physical condition but still played. I will not criticize them; I will defend them more than ever," Arteta added.

A notable point in Arteta's statement was his proactive acceptance of responsibility. "Someone has to be accountable, and that is me," he affirmed. According to Arsenal's head coach, this is just one of the inevitable "difficult moments" in the season, and the important thing is that the team must know how to overcome it.

The actual match showed Arsenal was not inferior. After Ross Stewart scored from a defensive error, they equalized thanks to Viktor Gyokeres. However, lack of focus at crucial moments cost them dearly with Shea Charles's late goal.

Arteta particularly regretted that his team failed to capitalize on clear opportunities. He also pointed out defensive mistakes as the main cause of the defeat. "If you defend as we did today, you put yourself in a very difficult situation. Those mistakes prevented us from advancing," he analyzed.

Another issue worrying Arteta is the fitness and injury status of key players. Center-back Gabriel Magalhaes left the field with signs of knee pain. The Spanish coach admitted he could not yet determine the severity but did not hide his concern: "When a player voluntarily asks to leave the pitch, it is not a positive sign."

Despite being eliminated from the FA Cup, Arsenal still has two major goals: the Premier League and the Champions League. Arteta urged his players to quickly bounce back, maintain psychological stability, and continue the form they have shown throughout the season. "We need to stay balanced, just as when we were winning consecutively, without letting ourselves become deluded. This is the time to stand up and prove our character," he emphasized.

Next up for Arsenal is the Champions League quarter-final against Sporting CP, taking place just days after the shock at St Mary's.