Arteta sad Gunners’ defence came to an early end with Saints defeat
SOUTHAMPTON 1 Gabriel (og 24) ARSENAL 0
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was “very disappointed” that his dream of retaining the trophy was ended with a fourth-round exit at Southampton.
The Gunners have lifted the Cup a record 14 times, but were deservedly beaten on the south coast as a Gabriel Magalhaes own goal saw Saints advance with a narrow victory.
Arteta made seven changes to his side and was without captain Pierre-emerick Aubameyang for personal reasons.
Those who came into the side struggled to make an impact, leaving the Spaniard unhappy to be bowing out at such an early stage of their FA Cup defence.
“I’m very disappointed because we wanted to continue in the competition, we had a dream to do it again like last year and the dream today is over,” he said.
“I am as well disappointed with the way we conceded the goal in an area where we know we shouldn’t be doing that.
“At the same time I cannot fault the effort of the players, how they tried and how they went to get a goal in the second half.”
Club-record signing Nicolas Pepe and summer arrival Willian came into the team having failed to impress so far this season.
Neither could take the game by the scruff of the neck, but Areta defended the pair.
“What I am saying is they try to give their best,” said Arteta.
“You could see how hard they are trying – the intention is there and the willingness.
“They need to keep working hard and try to improve their performances.”
For Southampton, this was a first win over Arsenal in the competition and sets up a fifth-round trip to face Premier League rivals Wolves.
They should have won the game by more, but manager
Ralph Hasenhuttl was pleased to see his side advance.
“First half we were very good I think, after a few problems in the beginning with the pressing and we had to adjust it a little bit,” he said.
“With the ball we had a few good moments and the decision making wasn’t always the best, otherwise we could have scored a little more.
“This season we are in a better place in the table, not in a relegation battle, so we don’t have to rest any players.
“For the fans at home it is always good for them to see that we take it seriously and we wanted to go through to the next round.”
Saints started lively and an early Danny Ings effort was deflected behind, with James Ward-prowse hitting the crossbar direct from a corner as he looked to catch Bernd Leno off his line.
The visitors looked frail at the back as Che Adams, burst past Gabriel before forcing a smart stop out of Leno. Gabriel Martinelli then passed up a fine opportunity to put the visitors in front, miscuing his shot after breaking the offside trap from a free-kick.
Saints took the lead just before the midway point of the first half as Elneny gave away possession on the edge of his own box.
The ball was worked wide to Kyle Walker-peters, whose cross-cum-shot was deflected into his own goal by Gabriel.
The second half started in similar fashion, Arsenal shabby in possession as Southampton pressed the wobbly backline.
Gunners defender Rob Holding spurned a great chance to equalise, sending an effort over the crossbar.
Theo Walcott ballooned over a decent chance at the other end, before Fraser Forster did well to prevent Eddie Nketiah from levelling.
Arteta’s last throw of the dice was to bring on Alexandre Lacazette as he sacrificed Hector Bellerin for a more attacking set-up.
The shift meant Arsenal enjoyed more possession around the Saints box without looking like finding a goal.