Arsenal faced a tough blow, exiting the FA Cup after a shocking loss to Southampton. Manager Mikel Arteta admitted his team is now in its first difficult phase of the season. This unexpected defeat marks a challenging time for the Gunners.

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's manager, has openly stated that his team is experiencing its initial difficult spell of the current season. This admission came after the Gunners suffered a surprising defeat in the FA Cup. They were knocked out of the competition by Southampton, a team from the second-tier league. The unexpected loss means Arsenal's quest for FA Cup glory has ended prematurely. This period will test the team's resilience and character as they look to bounce back in upcoming fixtures. The focus now shifts to improving performance.