Arteta Demands Arsenal Response After FA Cup Shocker At Southampton

London – Mikel Arteta has challenged his Arsenal squad to “show what we are made of” after the Premier League leaders crashed out of the FA Cup with a stunning 2-1 quarter-final defeat at second-tier Southampton on Saturday.

The upset, sealed at St Mary’s, ended Arsenal’s hopes of a domestic cup double and handed Arteta his first major setback of 2025. Speaking after the final whistle, the Spaniard offered no excuses and instead demanded an immediate reaction from his players.

“We have to respond—no hiding, no feeling sorry for ourselves,” Arteta said. “This is the moment to show what we are made of.”

The loss marks the first time since 2021 that Arsenal have fallen to a lower-division side in the competition, and it leaves their season hinging on the Premier League title race. With only league fixtures remaining, Arteta stressed that character and consistency will define the club’s campaign.

Southampton, currently mid-table in the Championship, seized their opportunity with clinical counter-attacks and a raucous home support, setting up a semi-final date at Wembley. For Arsenal, the focus now shifts to regrouping at London Colney before resuming league action.

Arteta refused to single out individuals, insisting collective responsibility is the only route forward. “We win together, we lose together,” he added. “The response starts Monday in training.”

Arsenal return to Premier League play next weekend, knowing momentum must be restored swiftly if they are to convert a promising season into silverware.