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After finishing as runners-up in the Carabao Cup to Manchester City, Arsenal saw another chance at a title this season slip away this Saturday (4).
Playing away from home, the Gunners were stunned by Southampton, currently seventh in the Championship.
They lost 2-1, crashing out of the FA Cup in the quarter-finals.
Arteta rested several regular starters with the Champions League in mind and also saw one of them become a cause for concern.
Gabriel Magalhães started among the XI but had to be substituted in the 25th minute of the second half.
Another possible issue for the Brazilian centre-back, who had ALREADY missed Brazil’s friendlies against France and Croatia.
Arsenal fought, but…
Kepa, Ben White, Mosquera, Lewis-Skelly, Norgaard, Odegaard, Dowman, Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus were given opportunities for Arsenal.
The home side were more clinical and took the lead in the 35th minute through Stewart.
Arteta sent on three regular starters all at once, and one of them, Gyökeres, equalised in the 23rd minute of the second half.
But the Saints came out on top thanks to a goal from Shea Charles in the 40th minute.
Cause for concern?
Gabriel Magalhães went down on the pitch with pain in his left knee in the 25th minute of the second half.
He had been involved in the build-up to Arsenal’s goal and – apparently – felt it on his own.
He ended up being replaced by Saliba, one of many players who had been rested.
Magalhães had been called up to represent Brazil against France and Croatia, but was later withdrawn after tests showed a minor injury in his other knee.
Arsenal have not yet commented on the defender’s situation.
More pressure on Arteta & Co.?
Arsenal are now left with "only" two chances of winning a title in 2026/2027.
They lead the Premier League by nine points over Manchester City (70 to 61).
Guardiola’s side have a game in hand, and there is still a direct clash to come.
In the Champions League, meanwhile, the Gunners will face Sporting in the quarter-finals.
The first match will be next Tuesday (7), in Lisbon.
Whoever goes through will face Atlético de Madrid or Barcelona in the semi-finals.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.
