“That’s kind of a shame”

Chelsea legend Frank Leboeuf has hit out at Arsenal after the Gunners’ 2-1 loss to Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-finals. The Frenchman pointed to how Mikel Arteta’s team failed to show the mental toughness that was desired from a side that has more or less dominated this season.

Arsenal, who lost the Carabao Cup final to Manchester City before the international break, went behind to Ross Stewart’s 38th-minute goal at St. Mary’s Stadium on Saturday. Viktor Gyokeres restored parity in the 68th minute, but Shea Charles sent the hosts to Wembley with his goal just five minutes before the end of regulation time.

In the wake of what has been back-to-back setbacks for Arsenal in the domestic cups, Leboeuf weighed in on the situation within the Gunners’ camp. He stated that this team lack the mental toughness the club had under the likes of Patrick Vieira back in the day.

Speaking on ESPN FCLeboeuf also labelled the loss as a ‘shame’ and commented:

“When you are one of the best teams in the world, even with different players coming into your line-up, you have to show your strength. You have to win against Southampton, that’s kind of a shame (to lose).

“The time when I was playing against Arsenal, with Vieira, Petit, Ian Wright and others, it would have never happened. Mentally, they were too strong. You can see that everybody is fragile now. The players on the field, they don’t do the job, they are getting very shaky. They are not ready mentally, they have to be stronger for sure.”

Arsenal hold a nine-point lead over Manchester City in the Premier League title race. However, they have played an extra game and still have to face City at the Etihad on April 19.

Christian Norgaard highlights ‘stupid’ mistake from Arsenal in FA Cup loss

Denmark international Christian Norgaard was handed a rare start by Mikel Arteta in the 2-1 loss against Southampton. However, the midfielder was unable to help the Gunners progress to the semi-finals.

Although Southampton deserve credit for their performance, it is safe to say the Premier League leaders were not at their best. Ben White missed a header as Saints scored the first goal, while the Gunners were uncharacteristically all over the place when they conceded the second goal.

Norgaard admitted the shortcomings on TNT Sports:

“It was at times a little bit too chaotic. They were very sharp in transitions, which we didn’t manage very well. We had the momentum in the second half, especially when we equalised, but conceded a very stupid goal from a goal kick, which we cannot allow or accept.”

Arsenal next face Sporting away from home in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday.