Is season running away from frazzled Arsenal?

This video can not be played. Southampton stunned Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter-finals, securing a place in the semi-finals. A frustrated Arsenal supporter responded to the Saints’ social media post with a sarcastic remark, prompting the Southampton X account to retort, “Enjoy your quadruple, pal.” Just 14 days prior, the Gunners were seen as strong contenders for a historic quadruple, but recent setbacks have derailed those aspirations. A late goal by Shea Charles, following a substitute equalizer from Viktor Gyokeres after Ross Stewart’s first-half opener, ended Arsenal’s FA Cup hopes. This marks the first consecutive losses for the Gunners this term and their fifth defeat of the campaign.

The focus now shifts to whether Arsenal can recover from this setback and maintain momentum ahead of crucial Premier League and Champions League fixtures. The club has not claimed the Premier League title in 22 years and has settled for second place in the last three seasons. The Carabao Cup final had been their sole opportunity to win a major trophy since 2018. However, a loss to Manchester City in that match, followed by this FA Cup exit to a lower-tier team for the first time since 2021-22, raises concerns about their form.

“They have to not let the season run away from them,” said Theo Walcott, a former player for both Arsenal and Southampton. “Everything they have built this season, don’t let it affect them. They have been in this situation before and they don’t want to relive that.”

Arteta emphasized the team’s resilience despite the defeat. “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,” he stated. “And the way they are putting their bodies through everything. Some of them probably didn’t even have to be here. I’m not going to do that. I’m going to defend them more than ever.”

Arteta also highlighted the need to maintain focus. “Someone has to take responsibility. That’s me, and we have the most beautiful period of the season ahead of us,” he added. “In the season, you always have moments. Normally two or three. This is the first moment that we have. So stand up, make yourself comfortable and deliver like we’ve been doing all season.”

Arsenal’s lineup against Southampton featured seven changes from their Carabao Cup final squad. This wasn’t merely due to rotation but also a result of injuries and player absences, with 11 squad members leaving for international duty before the break. While some speculated Arteta was testing his team’s depth, the performance against Southampton suggested otherwise. Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Leandro Trossard, among those absent, were integral to the squad’s recent success.