It was bitter spill for the Gunners’ fans to swallow as Southampton inflicted an embarrassing defeat on them in the League Cup. Arsenal went into the game unbeaten in their last 19 matches across all competitions but that record soon became a history as the Gunners were outclassed by the Saints who claimed a 2-0 win at the Emirates.
First half goals from Jordy Clasie and Ryan Bertrand condemned the London Club to their first defeat since the opening day of the season when they lost 3-4 to Liverpool.
And to make it worse for the Gunners, they were booed off the pitch by their own fans, an action which Arsene Wenger who was visibly infuriated refused to condemn. The French boss made 10 from the team that defeated Bournemouth in the Premier League over the weekend.
Wenger is yet to win the competition in his 20-year spell at Arsenal and the defeat means they have only claimed one win in six attempts at this stage.
However, looking at it from another side, the club may benefit from their exit from the competition as it will amount to less schedule for them and ample time to rest the team.
Not that the competition should be taken for granted or with levity, the Premier League and the Champions League are obviously their top priorities.
Progressing in the competition would have necessitated their involvement in a two-legged semi-final when their fixture would have become congested. The schedule of the last four would have seen them play five games in 14 days which could pose s detriment to their league race.
Gunners fans would have called for the head of Wenger if he wins the league cup at the expense of the Premier League and the Champions League, so the fans should look away.