English FA Cup champions Arsenal has been knocked out of the competition by the English Premier League side Southampton. Mikel Arteta’s men suffered a shocking 1-0 loss to the side.
Arsenal Knocked out of the FA Cup by Southampton
First half own goal by Gabriel saw the defending champions leave the 2020/21 FA Cup. The Saints were rewarded for their attacking intent in the opening period when Gabriel turned in Kyle Walker-Peters’ cross in the 24th minute.
The loss ends Arsenal’s seven games unbeaten run, it was the first goal Arsenal had conceded in 508 minutes as they suffered a first loss. Southampton will face another Premier League side, Wolves, in the next round.
The Saints almost had a second but Che Adams low angled strike was saved brilliantly by Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno, and James Ward-Prowse, who saw his delivery from a corner come off the bar.
Arsenal played without key striker and skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and midfielder Emile Smith Rowe, while another in-form player, Bukayo Saka, was only introduced in the second half.
Mikel Arteta’s Gunners side were tepid as an attacking force during the first 45 minutes, but could not unlock the hard defense of the host team Southampton.
Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah’s deflected shot in the 67th minute was well saved by goalkeeper Fraser Forster, the strike was Arsenal’s only clear strike in the game.
