Arsenal must wake up or there will be nothing to celebrate this season

In the space of 180 minutes, Arsenal’s dream of a quadruple has been obliterated so thoroughly that it has been reduced to a double. Two matches have cost them a shot at two trophies, and this FA Cup loss by Southampton was every bit as dismal as their Carabao Cup final defeat by Manchester City two weeks ago.

The international break was supposed to soothe Arsenal’s pain after that Wembley defeat but now they will feel even worse, having been deservedly beaten by Championship opposition. Mikel Arteta’s side had plenty of the ball but they rarely showed the same clarity of thought, and indeed the same composure in the penalty box as their supposedly lesser opponents.

There can be no hiding from the reality for Arsenal: this dip in form must be addressed immediately, or there will be nothing to celebrate this season. The Champions League awaits in midweek and there are still no guarantees in the Premier League, despite their lead over City. If they continue to play like this, they will undoubtedly be caught in the league.

How Southampton delighted in this unexpected victory, with Ross Stewart and Shea Charles both producing classy finishes, either side of a Viktor Gyokeres goal for Arsenal. Southampton were aggressive when they could be, energetic throughout and boisterously supported by a fanbase that rightly believed from the first minute to the last.