Speaking after Saturday’s shock 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Southampton, the Arsenal manager acknowledged recent cup exits but insisted tougher moments lie ahead. “If this is a difficult period, I believe there are many other ones that are much more difficult,” he said.
Arsenal travel to Lisbon on Tuesday for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Sporting CP, with kick-off at 8pm UK time. The match follows back-to-back cup disappointments, including a League Cup final loss to Manchester City. Arteta took personal responsibility for the Southampton defeat but instructed his squad to reframe the coming weeks as an opportunity rather than a crisis.
The Premier League title race remains alive alongside European competition, giving Arsenal a clear path to respond on the pitch.