Arteta: I'm to blame for Arsenal's FA Cup exit

Mikel Arteta took responsibility for Arsenal's surprise FA Cup quarter-final exit against Southampton but said everyone at the club must look in the mirror ahead of the run-in.

Arsenal were chasing an unprecedented quadruple only two weeks ago, but their hunt for silverware is now down to two competitions after Saturday's 2-1 loss at St. Mary's.

The Gunners – who were beaten by Manchester City in the EFL Cup final a fortnight ago – fell behind to Ross Stewart's goal, only for Viktor Gyokeres to come off the bench and equalise in the second half.

However, Arsenal were unconvincing throughout the game and were stunned by Shea Charles' 85th-minute winner, as the Championship side booked their trip to Wembley.

It was the first instance of Arsenal going out of the FA Cup to a team from a lower division since 2021-22, when they lost to Nottingham Forest in the third round, and they have now lost back-to-back games in all competitions for the first time this season.

But Arteta defended his players' mentality in his post-match press conference, saying: "I love my players. What they've done for nine months, the way they're putting their bodies through everything, some of them probably didn't even have to be here today. 

"I'm going to defend them more than ever. If someone has to take responsibility, it's me – we have the most beautiful period of the season ahead of us, and now is the moment. 

"In the season, you always have moments – normally two or three. This is the first moment that we have had with a certain level of difficulty, and we say difficulty when we're going into the quarter-finals of the Champions League and are top of the league. 

"It's a difficult period – I believe that's it – there are many others that are even more difficult. So, stand up, make yourself accountable and deliver like we've been doing all season."

Arsenal go to Sporting CP for the first leg of their Champions League last-eight tie on Tuesday, then resume their hunt for a first Premier League title since 2004 on Saturday, at home to Bournemouth.

Asked if the demands of juggling four competitions had contributed to Arsenal's sudden drop-off, Arteta said: "No, and I don't want to put out any excuses about the players that are missing or the players that are here with issues. 

"It's not the case – let's look at ourselves in the mirror, accept the situation, and go to Portugal with clarity and look forward to it."

Arteta was also asked by BBC Sport if he needed to send a message to his players ahead of the run-in, given their recent history of letting trophies slip away late in the season.

He said: "I've already done it in the dressing room. That stays in the dressing room."