Arsenal Player Ratings Vs Southampton

Defending champions Arsenal are out of the FA Cup after slumping to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of the Southampton. The Gunners simply weren’t at their best, struggling to breach the opposing defence for the most part of the game. In fact, they only mustered two shots on target in the entire game, which was simply not good enough to get the better of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men.

Arsenal Player Ratings Vs Southampton

Bernd Leno 6/10

Made a good save early on in the game, but was unlucky to concede the goal because of a deflection. A disappointing match for the Arsenal goalkeeper once again.

Hector Bellerin 5/10

Hector Bellerin failed to make an impact upon his return to the starting eleven. Most of his forays down the flanks were underwhelming, with the player eventually getting subbed later in the second half.

Rob Holding 4/10

Rob Holding was half asleep in some instances, especially when Southampton ventured forward. He was lucky not to concede more goals and it will be interesting to see how this performance affects Mikel Arteta’s team selection in the next game.

Gabriel Magalhaes 2/10

Gabriel Magalhaes endured a miserable FA Cup debut as he, unfortunately, scored the own goal in the first half. Aside from that, the Brazilian formed an awful defensive pairing alongside Holding and simply wasn’t competent enough to deal with the Saints.

Cedric Soares 5/10

Cedric Soares always looked uncomfortable in the bizarre left-back slot. His weak left foot meant he had difficulties providing useful crosses down the flanks.

Mohamed Elneny 4.5/10

Mohamed Elneny was anonymous for the most part of the game, strugglingly to provide the domination Arsenal needed in the middle third of the pitch against Southampton. Taken off around the hour-mark.

Arsenal Player Ratings Vs Southampton - Elneny not good enough. — Arsenal’s Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Elneny gestures during the English FA Cup fourth round football match between Southampton and Arsenal at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton, Hampshire,on January 23, 2021. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images)

Granit Xhaka 4.5/10

Granit Xhaka was among the poor performers for Arsenal in this game. He found it difficult to deal with Southampton’s high press and struggled to impose his authority in the middle of the park.

Nicolas Pepe 3/10

Nicolas Pepe was one of the most disappointing players this evening. He failed to provide the quality or the penetration required to get the better of the Southampton backline. Simply not good enough to play at this level.

Willian 3/10

Another Arsenal player who struggled to provide the penetration, Willian is seemingly becoming the biggest flop in the summer transfer window. The Brazilian barely provided anything to the table going forward.

Gabriel Martinelli 3/10

It was a disappointing performance from Gabriel Martinelli this afternoon. The attacker failed to get on to the ball much, looking very ineffective down the left-hand channel.

Eddie Nketiah 5/10

Eddie Nketiah did put in a decent shift in the number nine position, using his pace to good effect. However, he was wasteful with his chances and should have done a little better when it comes to finding the target.

SUBSTITUTES

Bukayo Saka 6/10

Bukayo Saka failed to provide much to the table after replacing Martinelli around the hour-mark. Created just one late chance in what was a dismal attacking display from the Gunners.

Thomas Partey 6/10

Thomas Partey offered Arsenal a bit more direction after coming on for Elneny. However, it wasn’t enough to change the complexion of this game as Southampton defended well.

Alexandre Lacazette 6/10

Alexandre Lacazette wasn’t able to change the game after coming on as a late substitute for Bellerin.

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Jack O’Brien

A 22 y/o football nerd seeking my way into football writing. I love Irish football and also the Premier League. A huge Arsenal fan! Aside from writing, I like to spend my time fishing and drinking beer.

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