One less bell to answer…

Arsenal’s attempt to repeat as FA Cup winners has gone by the wayside after a dismal and uninspiring performance at Southampton.

The final, 1-0 to the Saints, courtesy of an own goal by Gabriel.

So, now the club has one less bell to answer during the remainder of this campaign since they have now dropped out of their second cup competition.

I hate to say it, but  maybe it’s a blessing in disguise. Less games and more rest could be a good thing for this team right now.

Today’s performance showed to me this club lacks the needed strength and consistency in their back-up players. Just take a look. Cedric was awful, Willian worked hard but provided no results, Martinelli seemed lost most of the game, while Nketiah, Elneny and Pepe contributed little, if nothing at all.

Today was a step backwards for Mikel Arteta’s club. After a streak of five matches without a defeat, the Arsenal team from November and December returned to the pitch at St. Mary’s.

Gabriel was obviously rusty, Xhaka was kicking balls over peoples heads all day and Holding surely didn’t have his best day either. Bernd Leno would be my Arsenal man of the match, only because he wasn’t playing in lala land today.

Arsenal return to St. Mary’s on Tuesday for a Premier League match. Let’s hope we see a different result.

Sorry, but there’s nothing to cheer about today.

Gunner1953