Mikel Arteta refuses to criticise Arsenal players but wants them 'to look in the mirror' after FA Cup exit

Mikel Arteta refused to criticise his players after defeat at Southampton but challenged them to "look in the mirror" and make sure the season will still be a successful one for Arsenal.

In their first game since losing the Carabao Cup final, Arteta's team put in another tame performance as Saints sensed and took their opportunity with goals from Ross Stewart and substitute Shea Charles.

The Gunners are currently nine points clear at the top of the Premier League ahead of second-placed Manchester City, but their title rivals have a game in hand and host Arsenal at the Etihad in a few weeks' time.

Mathematically, it's very much still in Arsenal's hands, however, with so many players out of form and injuries mounting again, the noise around Arteta's side and questions about their title credentials will only grow louder.

Arteta said: "I love my players, what they have done for nine months. I'm not going to criticise them for losing here. What they are putting their bodies through, some didn't have to be here today. I'll defend them more than ever.

"If someone has to take responsibility that's me. We have the most beautiful period ahead of us. Normally you have two or three moments like this in a season, this is the first moment with a level of difficulty. Let's stand up and make ourselves count.

"No excuses about players that are missing or that are here with issues. Let's look at ourselves in the mirror, accept the situation, rebel against it and go forward with clarity."

Asked what his message is for the players, Arteta added: "Give them clarity and conviction. Trust in our players and believe in what we do. Continue to do that with little tweaks that every game demands.

"We must maintain the attitude and energy at the highest possible level. That is critical to perform at the level we need to win matches."

Arteta's injury-disrupted Gunners arrived at St Mary's as overwhelming favourites a fortnight on from their final defeat to City but suffered more injury issues during the game when Gabriel Magalhães limped off with a knee issue.

On the injury, Arteta said: "He felt something, we will assess him but when a player asks to be substituted, it's never good news."

Arteta insists Southampton's direct approach did not catch him by surprise, but the Arsenal boss said he was confused by the way his defenders failed to deal with the Championship side's long balls.

Ben White misjudged the flight of a cross for Southampton's opener, although he was not alone in making an error like this, his was simply the one that got punished.