Mikel Arteta, head coach of Arsenal, has bared his mind on his feelings and performance of his side after the North London Football Outfit was forced to bow out of the FA Cup 2025/26 by Championship side, Southampton, on Saturday.
At St. Mary’s Stadium in Southampton, The Saints stunned Arsenal with a 2-1 victory in the one-legged quarter final of the FA Cup on Saturday 4 April, 2026.
The Spanish manager answered when asked how he feels following his side’s exit from the tournament at his post-defeat press conference, the Gunners “didn’t capitalise on our chances enough”, saying, it is the reason “why we’re out”.
The outcome means that Arsenal has lost another chance to lift a trophy in the 2025/26 season after losing in the EFL Cup 2025/26 final at Wembley Stadium to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City 2-0.
He said, “no, not at all” when asked whether he feels frustrated about the work rate of his side during the showdown against Southampton.
The former Gunners midfielder described Southampton as a “good side” as he congratulated them for scaling through his side, who have been on top form since the kick off of the campaign; Arteta added, Southampton were “far more efficient than us”, anÉ— that is the reason they have made it to the England National Stadium in Wembley for the semis.
According to arsenal.com, at his post-Southampton press conference, Arteta said:
On whether he feels disappointed with the result…
“Yes, we’re very disappointed in the manner that we lost the opportunity to get back to Wembley. I think we again had many, many periods of dominance from our side when we generated chances and situations – we didn’t capitalise on that enough.
“They did capitalise on that, and that’s the reason why we’re out.”
On frustration with the work rate…
“No, not at all. Not with this team at all.”
On the need for changes in the summer…
“I love my players. What they’ve done for nine months, the way they’re putting their bodies through everything, some of them probably didn’t even have to be here today. I’m going to defend them more than ever. If someone has to take responsibility, it’s me.”
On Southampton’s performance…
“I congratulate them, I think they are a really good side, it’s not a coincidence among the run they’re in. And as I said, they were far more efficient than us when it mattered most, and that’s why they are at Wembley – so I wish them the best.”
On if the chase for four trophies is to blame for exit in two competitions…
“No, and I don’t want to put any excuses about the players that are missing or the players that are here with issues. It’s not the case – let’s look at ourselves in the mirror, accept the situation, and go to Portugal with clarity and look forward to it.”
Next test for Arteta…
Arsenal, who are currently at the zenith of the Premier League 2025/26, will now travel to Lisbon in Portugal for a Uefa Champions League 2025/26 quarter final first leg match against Sporting CP on Tuesday 7 April, 2026 at 20:00 (WAT) at Estádio José Alvalade.
Photo: Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta
