FA Cup: Arsenal vs Southampton Player Ratings

It’s the fourth round of the FA Cup. Arsenal faced Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium. And just like that, our cup defence was over.

Mikel Arteta – 4

You can’t win without fielding a winning team. It was obvious that Southampton were going to be at full strength, but Mikel chose a lineup that had me doubtful of a result before a ball was even kicked. No Smith-Rowe or Tierney, Willian starting – it was a recipe for disaster. Didn’t seem like there was any real tactics either. The substitutions made were also confusing – bringing on Saka at left back when we are 1-0 down, keeping Willian on the pitch, taking off Martinelli.

Leno – 7

A solid game for Bernd Leno, which is becoming a trademark in an Arsenal match. Very unlucky in the manner that the goal was conceded but there isn’t much he can do about it. Made a great stop with a strong right hand to deny Che Adams’ low drilled shot. Other than that, he gave away possession too many times.

Cedric – 5

I’ll give him credit for playing on the opposite side of the pitch in left back… but that’s where it stops. He was decent in attack in an attempt to reciprocate Tierney’s play style, however no matter how much time he had his cross would be overhit to the opposite side of the box. A subpar game in defence as well.

Holding – 4

This has to be the first game where Rob Holding looked lost. His defensive positioning was poor, he was static at times – he didn’t look comfortable. Gave away possession carelessly too many times. Also missed a great chance from about 8 yards out that he put over the bar.

Gabriel – 4

In all honesty, this rating is not because of the own goal. It was an unlucky deflection that just slipped beneath Leno. However, in the rest of the game, he was average at best. Similar to Holding, his positioning was poor and often very static. He too also gave away possession recklessly.

Bellerin – 6

In hindsight, it was fitting that Bellerin wore the armband in the match. He was one of the only players that looked lively. Wanted to move forward and carry the ball with every possession and brought some intent to the right side of the pitch. Defence was average, like the rest, but he was not static and did not get beat easily. Subbed off after around 55 minutes, which seemed harsh.

Elneny – 4

Gave away possession way too much. Rarely looked to progress the ball up the pitch when he had it. Was so quiet at times that I forgot he was on the pitch. No real spark from him. Rightfully substituted after 55 minutes.

Xhaka – 3

Sure, he had a lot of the ball. But there is only so much lateral and backwards passing a player can do. Lost the ball recklessly, committed unreasonable fouls, didn’t really look lively at all.

Martinelli – 5

A lack-lustre performance. Was unlucky at times, however there were inexcusable mistakes made, such as a wide open volley off a free kick with no defensive pressure that was merely scuffed and rolled casually to Forster. Still looked to be an option on the wing when we had possession though. Unlucky to be subbed off so early in the game (55 minutes).

Willian – 3

Don’t even get me started. A typical Willian game in an Arsenal shirt.

Pepe – 7

Looked to be the only player on the pitch who really wanted to get at Southampton and take game to them. Constantly attacked the defence when he had the ball. Looked to always carry the ball forward, whether it be passing or dribbling. Lovely passing combination in the box to set up an Nketiah chance. The brightest spark out there.

Nketiah – 6

He got in all the right positions. He just could not finish. Chased the ball well, presented options, we could play through him in attack. Got into a dangerous position multiple times, however his shots were just not good enough. Played the full 90 minutes. Wasn’t bad, but wasn’t really good either.

MAN OF THE MATCH:

Leno + Pepe

Couldn’t really separate each of them. Both had good performances. Leno conceded of course, but Pepe couldn’t quite find the net, whether it be scoring or assisting. A split award from the match.

A really lack-lustre performances from the Gunners – one that I don’t want to see again. The commentators put it perfectly:

“Arsenal will be going out of the FA Cup, and they’ll be doing it with a whimper.”

Mikel Arteta leads us for a rematch on Wednesday, but this time in the Premier League. Can we get a win and keep our good (Premier League) form going?