ARSENAL produced a damp squib to exit the FA Cup at the hands of Southampton.
An own-goal from Gabriel proved to be the Gunners’ undoing in what was a dismal showing on the south coast.
Gabriel put through his own goal as Arsenal lost to SouthamptonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Mikel Arteta was dealt a pre-game blow when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had to pull out for a personal matter.
But those who did get the nod for the FA Cup clash failed to sparkle as it was the Saints who progressed.
Here, SunSport’s John Hutchinson rates how Arsenal’s stars performed, or failed to, on the south coast.
Bernd Leno – 6
Made a smart save early on to deny Che Adams from opening the scoring after he had waltzed through the defence.
Still looks uncomfortable with this ‘playing out from the back’ tactic.
Hector Bellerin – 5
As muted a performance from an attacking point of view you’re likely to have seen from the Spaniard in the first 45.
Says it all when he was the man to be subbed off and not Cedric, with the Frenchman moving back to his more accustomed right-back role.
Hector Bellerin had a muted game before being subbed offCredit: Reuters
Rob Holding – 7
Had a glorious chance in the early stages of the second half, but scooped over from eight yards out.
Recently handed a new deal at the club, and looks like their most solid option at the back at the moment.
Gabriel -5
Was sluggish from the off but was unlucky to net the own goal that put Saints ahead.
On his way back to full fitness following his positive test for coronavirus.
Cedric Soares – 5
The former Southampton man must have been delighted to get the nod in an unfamiliar left-back slot.
But woeful crossing into the box and poor positional play throughout won’t have delighted Gunners fans.
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Willian once again failed to do anything of noteCredit: Rex Features
Mohamed Elneny – 5
Started the season rejuvenated, but now failing to stamp his authority on games.
Subbed off for Partey just over ten minutes into the second half, and is unlikely to bag that central midfield spot going forward.
Granit Xhaka – 6
Without doubt Mikel Arteta’s go-to man this season – but barely had a touch in the first half.
Not the best option in the middle of the park when the team are losing – unless a free-kick is in range.
Nicolas Pepe – 5
Had one decent left-footed effort deflected in the first 45 – did little else.
Is the jury still out, or has it given its verdict already?
Pepe was on the ball much more in the second halfCredit: PA:Press Association
Willian – 4
Another anonymous first half from the former Chelsea man.
Keeps getting the chance to prove everybody wrong, keeps failing miserably.
Gabriel Martinelli – 6
Looked a useful option on the left – when the ball actually reached him.
Surprisingly hooked on 57 minutes and is clearly still building his fitness up.
Eddie Nketiah – 7
Simply wasn’t fed enough in the first half, which will have frustrated the rookie striker.
Started to find the space in the second half, and was only denied an equaliser by Fraser Forster’s outstretched foot, and then flashed wide in the dying stages.
Eddie Nketiah was bright up front and was denied by a sprawling Forster leg in the second halfCredit: AFP
Subs
Thomas Partey (replaced Elneny, 57) – 6
Offers much more back and forth than Elneny.
But was caught in possession a few times and is clearly rusty
Bukayo Saka (replaced Martinelli, 57) – 6
Instantly injected some pace and vigour into Arsenal’s attacking when introduced.
Alexandre Lacazette (replaced Bellerin, 71) – 5
Experienced striker offered little to note as his team chased the game.
Subs (not used): Runar Runarsson, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Calum Chambers, David Luiz, Joe Willock, Mat Ryan.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
