Arsenal were hoping for a quadruple a fortnight ago, now they can only dream of a double.
In the space of two games Arsenal have been eliminated from both domestic cup competitions, and there’s a danger that the season could unravel from here.
This wasn’t a game to remember, and below you can find our player ratings for this disappointing loss.
Who was the worst performer for Arsenal against Southampton?
Starting XI
Kepa Arrizabalaga – 5/10
Had a spotlight on him after his performance in the Carabao Cup final, didn’t make amends, but not much he could’ve done for the goals.
Ben White – 2/10
Run ragged by Leo Scienza on the Southampton flank, at fault for the opening goal. Not a good game for the recently returned England international. Jurrien Timber will be back in the team soon, and that is seemingly for the best.
Cristhian Mosquera – 4/10
Saved Arsenal’s skin in the 17th minute as Southampton got through on goal, but was shaky at times away from that. Defensively Arsenal were not good today, and Mosquera has to shoulder some of that blame.
Gabriel Magalhães – 5/10
Almost cost Arsenal a goal in the first half, wasn’t great defensively at other times. However, a fantastic pass for Kai Havertz helped grab the equalising goal, stepped up when needed.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 3/10
Max Dowman will get the headlines, but let’s not forget, this is a 19-year-old playing an FA Cup quarter-final. At times his lack of consistency this season showed, but it’s hard to blame him after spending so long on the bench this season. Subbed after 60 minutes.
Martin Ødegaard – 3/10
Interesting to watch in a deeper role. Looked good on the ball, but there were numerous occasions where Southampton were able to counter and his off-the-ball ability was exposed somewhat. Should have scored in the first half. Subbed off alongside Lewis-Skelly and Jesus.
Christian Nørgaard – 4/10
Not a good showing either. Important interception in the 15th minute stopped a good Southampton attack, but offered little other than that. Wasn’t signed to be a star, but needs to be better than this against Championship opposition.
Max Dowman – 7/10
Direct, confident, free, so exciting as a player. The fact he’s able to play in an FA Cup quarter-final at the age of 16 and look like one of the better players is utterly ridiculous. Such a bright future ahead of him.
Kai Havertz – 5/10
Looked a bit off the pace early on. Took too many touches at times in a performance that was reminiscent of Havertz when he first arrived at Arsenal. However, burst into life for a great assist.
Gabriel Martinelli – 7/10
Really bright here. Looked to beat his man often and was fairly successful. Martinelli has felt shackled at times as a player, but he did seem to let the handbrake off at times and play with that Brazilian flair. Would have had an assist if not for Martin Odegaard mis-kicking a clear-cut chance.
Gabriel Jesus – 3/10
Pretty anonymous showing from Jesus. The Brazilian admitted this week on a podcast that he hasn’t been as good since his injury, and that was evident here. Subbed at the hour mark.
Substitutes
Noni Madueke – 6/10
Similar to Gabriel Martinelli, bright, direct, positive. Looked to beat his man whenever possible and caused plenty of problems after coming on. Tried to make an impact at least.
Riccardo Calafiori – 5/10
Not massively involved, but a marked improvement from Myles Lewis-Skelly at left-back, you can definitely see why he’s the starter in this Arsenal side.
Viktor Gyokeres – 6/10
Off the bench to score. This is what Viktor Gyokeres was supposed to bring to Arsenal.
After scoring a hat-trick to send Sweden to the World Cup, Gyokeres seems to have more confidence, and will hopefully push on from here.
Martin Zubimendi – 4/10
Not tons to report from Zubimendi here, didn’t make much happen or impose himself at all.
William Saliba – 4/10
Came on for the injured Gabriel Magalhaes, failed to steady what was a rocky defensive performance.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
