Southampton 2 – Arsenal 1 match report: another competition bites the dust

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 04: Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal reacts during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Southampton and Arsenal at St Mary's Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images) | Getty Images Arsenal fell 2-1 to Southampton to go out of the FA Cup. It’s disappointing to have back-to-back matches be eliminations, but I think it was clear when the lineups were released that Mikel Arteta and Arsenal’s focus is on the Champions League and the Premier League.

Too many players came back from the international break carrying injuries, and unfortunately, the players named in the lineup to replace them gave a pretty good showing of why they’re buried on the depth chart. The Gunners didn’t play particularly well nor were they all that bad. They were mostly fine.

And when your B (or worse) side plays “just fine” you can lose games! Let’s go down the Arsenal lineup: Kepa: backup keeper who is not nearly as good with the ball at his feet as the starter. The defense has not looked as settled or composed in front of him, and I have to think some of that is they don’t feel as secure that they can knock it back to the keeper to relieve the pressure.

Today’s match was likely the last time we see him play for Arsenal, barring injury. Ben White: backup right back who has been up-and-down this season. Made a HORRIBLE judgment that gifted Southampton the first goal.