Published: 23:42, 4 April 2026 | Updated: 23:42, 4 April 2026

Mikel Arteta has been criticised for not deploying his first team from the outset against Southampton, as Arsenal suffered a second cup exit in as many games on Saturday night.

Arteta again persisted with Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal - the Spaniard having gifted Manchester City their opening goal in Arsenal’s 2-0 Carabao Cup final defeat a fortnight ago - and made two changes to his back line from that match. 

Myles Lewis-Skelly and Christian Mosquera both started, lining up alongside the less frequently used Christian Norgaard and teenage sensation Max Dowman. 

Viktor Gyokeres, who scored four goals over the international break for Sweden, was left on the bench among a raft of Arteta’s usual starters.

BBC commentator Micah Richards was critical of Arteta’s decision in the aftermath, suggesting Arsenal had invited pressure from Manchester City, who earlier in the day secured a decisive 4-0 FA Cup victory over Liverpool.

'You have to play your best team,' Richards said. 'There is going to be so much noise around it. With Arsenal against...