Alan Shearer believes it will be ‘incredibly tough’ for Arsenal to win the Premier League after their shock FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Southampton.

Arsenal, sitting top of the Premier League and favourites to win the Champions League, were expected to prove too strong for Championship side Southampton at St Mary’s on Saturday.

The Saints led at half-time through Ross Stewart’s opener but Viktor Gyokeres came off the bench to equalise for Arsenal, who were dreaming of a historic quadruple just two weeks ago.

The momentum appeared to be with Mikel Arteta’s side at that stage but Southampton responded superbly and clinched a famous win through Shea Charles’ 85th-minute goal.

The shock defeat means Arsenal fail to reach the FA Cup semi-finals, having lost to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final in their previous game before the international break.

The Gunners are still favourites to win their first Premier League title since 2004, leading second-placed Man City by nine points.

But Premier League record goalscorer and England legend Shearer has questioned the ‘mental’ impact losing to Southampton will have on Arsenal and their title aspirations.

Metro's weekly newsletter In The Mixer delivers punchy analysis and breakdowns...