Arsenal hope of defending the Emirates FA Cup has been dashed following their 1-0 loss to Southampton in the forty round on Saturday.
The Gunners were made to pay for their lacklustre start in the first half as Gabriel scored an own goal which settled everything.
Arsenal failed to yield to the warning from Che Adams who skipped past Gabriel into the box, and his low shot across goal was kept out by a strong low hand from Bernd Leno.
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Gabriel Martinelli had Arsenal first sight of goal, when he made a clever run from deep to latch on to Pepe’s free-kick, but the Brazilian fluffed his chance when the ball arrived at his feet.
It turned out to be costly, when Southampton took the lead midway through the half.
Kyle Walker-Peters’ low cross-shot looked to be covered by Leno, until a deflection from the sliding Gabriel took it beyond his own keeper.
It was the first goal the Gunners had conceded in 2021 – more than 500 minutes of playing time – and it certainly lifted the Saints, who began to get on top, and were pressing with even more enthusiasm.
It was the first goal the Gunners had conceded in 2021 – more than 500 minutes of playing time – and it certainly lifted the Saints, who began to get on top, and were pressing with even more enthusiasm.
Arsenal started the second-half sluggishly too – until Thomas Partey and Bukayo Saka were summoned from the bench to try to inject some drive to the play.
Eddie Nketiah and Rob Holding both missed chances in quick succession, but at last they were starting to see more of the ball.
Nketiah again drew a low save from Fraser Forster’s legs after being set up by Nicolas Pepe.
Eddie Nketiah and Rob Holding both missed chances in quick succession, but at last they were starting to see more of the ball.
Nketiah again drew a low save from Fraser Forster’s legs after being set up by Nicolas Pepe.
Arsenal kept pushing for the equalizer as they pressed high.
But the home defence stood firm to ensure they gold on to the 1-0 lead.
But the home defence stood firm to ensure they gold on to the 1-0 lead.