Mikel Arteta refuses to criticise Arsenal players but wants them 'to look in the mirror' after FA Cup exit

Arsenal were knocked out of the FA Cup by Championship side Southampton as their chances of a treble are now over; Gunners are nine points clear in the Premier League and favourites for the Champions League; Mikel Arteta has called for his players "to look in the mirror"

Mikel Arteta refused to criticise his players after defeat at Southampton but challenged them to "look in the mirror" and make sure the season will still be a successful one for Arsenal. 

In their first game since losing the Carabao Cup final, Arteta's team put in another tame performance as Saints sensed and took their opportunity with goals from Ross Stewart and substitute Shea Charles. The Gunners are currently nine points clear at the top of the Premier League ahead of second-placed Manchester City, but their title rivals have a game in hand and host Arsenal at the Etihad in a few weeks' time, live on Sky Sports.

 Mathematically, it is very much still in Arsenal's hands, but with so many players out of form and injuries mounting again, the noise around Arteta's side and questions about their title credentials will only grow louder.

Arteta said: "I love my players, what they have done for nine months. I'm not going to criticise them for losing here. What they are putting their bodies through, some didn't have to be here today. I'll defend them more than ever.

 "If someone has to take responsibility, that's me. We have the most beautiful period ahead of us. Normally you have two or three moments like this in a season, this is the first moment with a level of difficulty. Let's stand up and make ourselves count.