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Southampton 1-0 Arsenal: 3 things learned as Gunners fall to disappointing defeat in “favourite competiton”

By Megan Garbutt

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 23: Gabriel of Arsenal closes down Danny Ings of Southampton during Southampton v Arsenal, The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round, on January 23, 2021 in Southampton, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 23: Gabriel of Arsenal closes down Danny Ings of Southampton during Southampton v Arsenal, The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round, on January 23, 2021 in Southampton, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal
Mohamed Elneny and Hector Bellerin of Arsenal (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images) /

Arsenal fell to a very disappointing defeat at St Mary’s this afternoon in the fourth round of the FA cup, as they looked to continue to defend their trophy. Unfortunately for Mikel Arteta’s side, it didn’t go to plan despite the recent form in the league and the Saints came out on top.

There were many talking points to come from the game and below are three talking points which were being talked about as the game unfolded and after the final whistle.

1. It’s 90 minutes or nothing!

In a game of football, you can’t afford to lose focus and to get the best possible outcome you have to put in the effort from start to finish and in this FA Cup fourth-round tie, this is something that separated the two teams.

Southampton started on the front foot and were getting bodies forward at every chance possible, eventually resulting in a well-deserved goal in the first half, which unfortunately for Saints defender Kyle Walker-Peters will go down as a Gabriel own goal.

As a reflection of Arsenal’s home fixture in the Premier League against the saints back in December, the Gunners didn’t seem to show any passion until the second half, where they came out with more desire to get players forward and create chances. Arsenal had 62% possession overall, showing they were comfortable on the ball but with that possession, you have to create and get forward; something that Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side did from the first whistle.

Showing more passion and determination In the second half, as much as it shows that a team want to prove themselves, it’s most likely going to be too late and in this instance it was. As well as getting forward at every opportunity, the Saints defended effectively and were able to stop Mikel Arteta’s side progressing further in the competition.

The Gunners showed nerves at the start of the game, which is something that the side have not had to worry about due to their recent form in the league, but changing up the team so much is obviously an aspect of today’s game that Arteta will have to look at more closely.

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