Arsenal drop out of their FA Cup

Full-time result-

Southampton

Gabriel(Own goal) – 24′

1

0

Arsenal

MATCH STATS

Ball Possession: 38% – 62%
Goal Attempts: 11 – 11
Shots on Goal: 2 – 2
Shots off Goal: 7 – 5
Blocked Shots: 2 – 4
Free Kicks: 12 – 12
Corner Kicks: 7 – 5
Offsides: 3 – 5
Goalkeeper Saves: 2 – 1
Fouls: 9 – 7
Red Cards: 0 – 0
Yellow Cards: 2 – 0
Total Passes: 331 – 526
Tackles: 14 – 15
Attacks: 87 – 107
Dangerous Attacks: 35 – 44

Arsenal’s FA cup title defense was cut short by Southampton as the hosts defeated the Gunners for the first time in the competition.

Mikel Arteta made a couple of changes to the starting Line up that defeated Newcastle a fortnight ago. Thomas Partey, David Luiz, and Skipper, Aubameyang were all dropped to the bench, though the Skipper missed out entirely due to some personal issues.

Southampton thought that they had taken the lead in the 5th minute when Skipper, James Ward-Prowse corner kick from the right beat Leno only to crash against the crossbar. Moments later in the 24th minute, Southampton got their goal when Ward-Prowse set up Kyle Walker-Peters, whose shot was directed into his own net by Gabriel to put the hosts in front. Southampton showed great resilience to keep the lead even after the break.

A second-half late pressure from Arteta’s men yielded little result as the Gunners couldn’t find a way through the Saints defense, with Gabriel Martinelli missing an opportunity after finding himself with just the keeper to beat. Even the introduction of Bukayo Saka and Thomas Partey couldn’t help to bring the Gunners level as the Saints held on for a historic victory against Mikel Arteta’s men as Arsenal were knocked out of the FA cup 4th round for the third time in four seasons.

On whether he has any complaints...

“No. I’m disappointed because we wanted to continue in the competition. We had a dream to do it again – like we did it last year – step-by-step, but that dream today is over. As well I’m disappointed with the way we conceded the goal in an area where we know we shouldn’t be doing that and giving the lead to the opponent. At the same time, I cannot fault the effort of the players, how they tried, how they improved throughout the game and tried to go for the goal in the second half with the way we did it. But it wasn’t enough and we conceded a goal that we shouldn’t. We created the chances but we didn’t hit the target.”

~ Mikel Arteta

WHAT THIS MEANS

*Arsenal have finally a goal since their boxing day victory over Chelsea in the Premier League.

*Southampton have finally beaten Arsenal in the FA Cup for the first time after their 4 previous meetings.

*Mikel Arteta has finally lost an FA cup match as an Arsenal manager.

The two sides meet again at St. Mary’s stadium on Tuesday night in the Premier League.

COYG!!!

Match Review by Patrick Alexander