No joy for flat Gunners

Southampton push holders Arsenal out of FA Cup after Gabriel's own goal

Southampton dumped holders Arsenal out of the FA Cup on Saturday, winning 1-0 courtesy of a Gabriel own goal to set up a fifth-round meeting with Wolves. The much-changed Gunners, who have won the competition a record 14 times, fell behind midway through the first half against their energetic opponents. The Gunners improved in the second period and created some chances but could not find a way back into the game. 

Mikel Arteta, who won the FA Cup in August in his first season as Arsenal boss, said he was “really sad” to exit the competition. “We had issues in the first half and unforced errors as a result of the high-press they do,” he told BT Sport. 

Mikel Arteta

“In the second half we had two or three big chances but not enough.” Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl fielded a strong side at St Mary’s, with Danny Ings returning after a hamstring injury and a positive COVID-19 test to partner former Arsenal forward Theo Walcott. 

Arteta made seven changes from Arsenal’s 3-0 Premier League win against Newcastle on Monday, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and midfielder Emile Smith Rowe both missing. Southampton, who had never beaten Arsenal in the FA Cup, were the brighter team in the opening period in the winter sunshine on England’s south coast.
James Ward-Prowse rattled the crossbar from a swerving corner and Che Adams forced a fine save from Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

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