Arsenal player ratings vs Southampton as Gabriel Jesus and Ben White poor among two 4/10s

How football.london rated the Arsenal player performances after the FA Cup clash with Southampton

Arsenal were knocked out of the FA Cup by Championship side Southampton after a heavily changed Gunners team were humbled on the south coast.

The home side were unfortunate not to take the lead inside the opening stages. Cristhian Mosquera was put in trouble by his centre-half partner, Gabriel, and was forced into drastic last-ditch action. After a period of pressure from the Gunners, a mistake by Ben White allowed Ross Stewart a shot at goal, which beat Kepa Arrizabalaga.

The second half continued the pressure from the home side. Leo Scienza had two huge chances, the second smacking the top of the crossbar. However, Arsenal responded and substitute Viktor Gyokeres finished perfectly after great work from Kai Havertz.

However, late on, the home side scored a deserved winner. Shea Charles finishing into the bottom left corner after Arsenal failed to defend.

Here is how football.london rated the performances of the Arsenal players involved:

Kepa Arrizabalaga – Beaten by the speed of the shot low from Ross Stewart. Some good throws and distribution. 5

Ben White – Despite some good forward play, the defender misjudged the height of the cross at the back post, allowing Ross Stewart a free strike at Kepa and the opening goal. Gave away several poor fouls which lost his side momentum. 3

Cristhian Mosquera – Brilliant recovery tackle to stop a certain goal from Scienza. Made a huge error gifting the ball away to Scienza, who smashed it over the bar. 6

Gabriel – Got stuck in early on Fellows with a sliding tackle in the box, and then again minutes later to block a shot. Had to be replaced in the second half, seemingly with a left knee issue. 7

Myles Lewis-Skelly – After a really impressive display for the England under-21s, that same flair was not on show, and there were several poor decisions taken. 4

Christian Norgaard – Bit of a tricky start for the Dane, fresh off World Cup disappointment, some poor decisions and wrong passes made. He was thankful to see Zubimendi come on to help late in the second half. 4

Kai Havertz – Saw a shot from outside the box deflect wide of the left post. His role in the midfield caused many disharmonies, and the side looked disjointed. Good cut back for the equalising goal, making a good run into the left half space. 6

Martin Odegaard – Back from injury, it was evident how much the skipper’s playstyle had been missing from the Arsenal team. There were some great early chances and touches, but his left-footed shot in the box had to be better.

Still coming back from injury was brought off in the second half, which makes sense with a big week ahead. 7

Max Dowman – Got on the ball early, driving run as is typical at the Saints back line and got in an early sighter which needed to be struck sweeter. After Odegaard came off, he moved into a central position.

Came close to a late winner, curling an effort that Peretz forced out. 7

Gabriel Jesus – Offered so little. 3

Gabriel Martinelli – Had a shot on the edge of the box blocked after a great short corner routine. Tried to find the driving run to the touchline but faded in the second half. 4

Substitutes:

Riccardo Calafiori – Looked much more senior to the man he replaced after coming onto the field. 6

Noni Madueke – Made some poor decisions when he got into the dangerous areas. 4

Viktor Gyokeres – With his first touch of the ball, the Swede smashed the ball into the back of the net. But didn’t see much of the ball after that. 7

William Saliba – Had to come on to replace Gabriel. Unable to help avoid defeat. 5

Martin Zubimendi – A necessary change to join the midfield and add structure. n/a