Arteta says Arsenal must ‘look in the mirror’ after Southampton defeat

• League leaders fall to late strike in FA Cup

• ‘I love my players. I’m not going to criticise’

Mikel Arteta vowed to defend his players “more than ever” after a shock FA Cup quarter-final defeat at second-tier Southampton but the Arsenal head coach accepted his side must “look in the mirror” after successive losses for the first time this season.

Arteta insisted “the most beautiful period of the season” is on the horizon, with a Champions League quarter-final first leg at Sporting their next match on Tuesday.