Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal were taught a ‘lesson’ by Southampton in their FA Cup defeat, as boss concedes Gabriel’s own-goal was ‘completely our own fault’
- FA Cup holders Arsenal were knocked-out of the competition by Southampton
- Gabriel’s own-goal was the difference as the Gunners lost 1-0 in the fourth round
- Gunners boss Mikel Arteta admitted the Saints defeat had been a ‘lesson’
Mikel Arteta’s ‘process’ took another hit as Arsenal went crashing out of the FA Cup, with the Spaniard admitting Southampton taught his side a ‘lesson’ on Saturday.
The cup holders were booted out by a disciplined Saints display, after Gabriel deflected the ball under goalkeeper Bernd Leno and into his own net after 24 minutes.
The Gunners had built momentum with five wins from six games before the St Mary’s clash, but Arteta was left frustrated by the manner of their FA Cup ejection.
Arsenal were dumped out of the FA Cup on Saturday with a poor 1-0 defeat to Southampton
The Gunners fell to Gabriel’s own-goal, deflecting Kyle Walker-Peters’ cross into his own net
‘We’re really sad to be out of the competition and disappointed about the way we lost the game, conceding from an area in which we cannot give the ball away,’ Arteta said.
‘We had some issues controlling the game in the first-half and some unforced errors. We didn’t hit the target. Two or three big chances in the second half but not enough to win the game.
‘The way we conceded the goal is completely our own fault. We have to compete in this game or you know you’re out. We have to do that better, it is a lesson.
Mikel Arteta’s side had built-up momentum but fell to another disappointing loss this term
The Gunners came forward plenty but were shut-out by a determined Southampton defence
‘They all tried so hard, it was a really intense game. Southampton play really aggressive. I hope we can use that to be more prepared for Tuesday.
‘We are looking in the market to see what else we can do. We moved some players, we are short in one or two positions.’
Tuesday sees the Gunners back at St Mary’s once more, this time for a Premier League clash against the high-flying south-coast side.
