Mikel Arteta acknowledged that Arsenal are enduring their first period of real difficulty this season after Saturday’s FA Cup exit at Southampton, a defeat that came only two weeks after losing the Carabao Cup final to Manchester City. Two consecutive cup exits in a fortnight have narrowed Arsenal’s season to the Premier League title and Champions League.
Arsenal’s injury situation has become a genuine concern at the worst possible moment. Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber, Eberechi Eze and several others were absent from Saturday’s squad entirely. Gabriel Magalhaes then limped off against Southampton with an apparent knee problem.
When asked what was wrong with Gabriel, Arteta said: “He felt something. I don’t know exactly what it is. But when a player asked to be substituted, it’s not ideal.”
The Spaniard has now used up enormous squad depth just to field a starting eleven, with William Saliba, Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke also listed as doubts in recent days. Arteta admitted some players on Saturday were not fit enough to be playing.
He was criticised by pundits for keeping Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal rather than starting David Raya. Micah Richards said on television that Arsenal had failed to play their best available team in a quarter-final they should have reached.
Arteta pushed back on that narrative firmly. “I love my players and what they’ve done for nine months. I’m not going to criticise them for losing here.”
He accepted personal responsibility while challenging his squad to respond. “If someone has to take responsibility that’s me. We have the most beautiful period of the season ahead of us.”
Arsenal face Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final in Portugal. A favourable Champions League draw gives the Gunners genuine cause for optimism beyond this weekend’s embarrassment.
Nine points clear in the Premier League with seven games to play, Arsenal’s title lead is still commanding. But Manchester City, who demolished Liverpool earlier on Saturday, have a game in hand and host Arsenal at the Etihad later this month.
The dynamic around Arsenal has shifted. They have gone from possible quadruple contenders six weeks ago to a team that has lost two cup ties in a row, is visibly injury-hit, and is under legitimate pressure for the first time all season.
