Mikel Arteta has defended his Arsenal team following their FA Cup quarter-final defeat at the hands of Southampton, insisting the blame lies with him, not the players. The Gunners’ hopes of a quadruple season are now dashedwho dropped out of two domestic cup competitions in two weeks.
Arsenal remain focused on their two remaining competitions, Premier League and the UEFA Champions League as they look to maintain their title challenge.
“I love my players. What have they done for nine months, criticize them because we lost the game here the way they tried and the way they put their bodies in everything? I will not do that at all. I will defend them more than ever. If anyone has to take responsibility, it is me,” Arteta told reporters after the match, as quoted by Yahoo Sports.
Arteta’s comments come in the context of a difficult fortnight for Arsenal, which has seen their ambitions for domestic cup glory falter. Injuries such as the apparent knee problem suffered by defender Gabriel Magalhaes during the Southampton game, combined with the physical and mental toll of competing on multiple fronts, have forced the head coach to publicly defend his team from criticism.
“I don’t want to make excuses for the players who are missing or the players who are here with problems. Let’s look at ourselves in the mirror, accept the situation, rebel against it and go to Portugal again with freshness, clarity and focus,” he added, stressing the need to bounce back.
ALL EYES ON EUROPE AND THE PREMIER LEAGUE
Championship side Southampton took the lead through Ross Stewart in the 35th minute but Viktor Gykeres came off the bench to equalize for Arsenal in the second half. Just as extra time loomed, Shea Charles calmly finished from the edge of the box to seal the upset.
Earlier in the game, Arsenal were further hampered by the loss of Gabriel Magalhes, which left the Premier League leaders vulnerable at the back. Despite these setbacks, Arteta insists the squad must remain focused and mentally ready for the upcoming UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Sporting CP on April 8 before returning to Premier League action at home to Bournemouth on April 11.
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Published on:
05 Apr 2026 14:11 IST
