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• Player Ratings: Jesus and White flop as awful Arsenal exit FA Cup in Southampton defeat

  Arsenal’s ambitions for a domestic cup double were extinguished on Saturday night as Championship side Southampton pulled off a massive 2-1 upset in the FA Cup quarter-finals. Having already tasted defeat in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City, the Premier League leaders arrived at St Mary’s under immense pressure to deliver. Instead, a series of defensive lapses and a lack of clinical finishing saw them dumped out by a resilient Saints squad, who now head to Wembley for the semi-finals. ​The hosts took the lead in the first half when Ross Stewart capitalized on a misjudged cross that drifted over the Arsenal defense. Although the Gunners found a lifeline through substitute Viktor Gyokeres in the 70th minute, their joy was short-lived. Shea Charles settled the tie with a brilliant curled effort, leaving Mikel Arteta’s side to focus solely on their remaining league and European commitments.

  ​Arsenal Player Ratings 

  ​Kepa Arrizabalaga (6/10): Retaining his spot after a difficult Carabao Cup final, the Spaniard was relatively solid under pressure. He produced several vital interventions to keep Arsenal in the contest while the Saints were dominant. He could hardly be faulted for either of the goals conceded. ​Ben White (3/10): It was a night to forget for the defender, who struggled with his positioning long before the opening goal. His inability to judge the flight of the ball led directly to Stewart’s strike, and he was repeatedly targeted by Southampton’s pace in behind. ​Cristhian Mosquera (6/10): The defender provided a crucial last-ditch recovery early on to prevent an opening goal after a defensive mix-up. However, his performance was nearly marred by a dangerous cross-field pass in the second half that almost gifted the hosts a second. ​Gabriel Magalhaes (6/10): Returning from injury, the Brazilian looked physically taxed but managed to provide the game’s turning point for Arsenal with a superb long ball to set up the equalizer. Unfortunately, his night ended early due to a knee concern. ​Myles Lewis-Skelly (5/10): The youngster failed to capitalize on a rare start, looking unconvincing in possession. He struggled to track back effectively when the Saints broke forward and was eventually replaced as Arsenal searched for more defensive stability. ​Christian Norgaard (6/10): Left as the solitary defensive anchor in a very attacking lineup, Norgaard performed admirably under the circumstances. He worked hard to shield the back four, though he was often overwhelmed by the sheer volume of Southampton counter-attacks. ​Martin Odegaard (6/10): The captain was the primary creative spark during a bright opening 20 minutes, though he failed to convert a clear-cut opportunity to take the lead. As the match progressed, his physical sharpness seemed to dip, and his influence faded before being substituted. ​Kai Havertz (6/10): For much of the evening, Havertz was a peripheral figure who struggled to impose himself physically. However, he showed great composure and balance to provide the assist for the equalizing goal before being withdrawn for a more defensive option. ​Max Dowman (7/10): The 16-year-old was comfortably Arsenal’s most dangerous outlet, constantly driving at the Southampton defense. It was a telling sign of the senior players’ struggles that the team relied so heavily on a teenager to create scoring chances. ​Gabriel Jesus (4/10): It was an anonymous display from the Brazilian forward, who failed to register any significant goal threat or link-up play. His lack of impact led to an early second-half exit in favor of a more traditional strike presence. ​Gabriel Martinelli (5/10): A night of high frustration for the winger, whose predictable approach was easily neutralized by the Saints’ backline. His evening was summed up by a booking for an unnecessary altercation with the official during a dead-ball situation. Substitutes Riccardo Calafiori (5/10): Introduced to provide more tactical security, the defender struggled to make a tangible impact. He was caught out of position during the buildup to Southampton’s winning goal, failing to track the run of Fellows effectively. Noni Madueke (6/10): Replacing Odegaard, he injected energy into the final third. While he successfully linked up with Dowman to create overloads, he lacked precision in the final moments, frequently carrying the ball out of play. Viktor Gyokeres (7/10): Providing an immediate focal point, the substitute proved far more dangerous in the box than his predecessor. He was perfectly positioned to convert the equalizer, showcasing the clinical presence Arsenal lacked earlier. William Saliba (5/10): Stepping in for the injured Gabriel, he was unable to tighten the defensive structure. Southampton continued to find gaps in the closing stages, and he could not prevent the late breakthrough. Martin Zubimendi (N/A): Introduced for a brief cameo following Havertz’s exit, he had insufficient time to influence the proceedings or settle into the high-intensity tempo of the final minutes.

• Rio Ferdinand urges Man United to make FOUR signings this summer – and reveals why he would not go for Sandro Tonali

  Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has advised the club to snub Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali and instead target Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson as part of a four-player summer recruitment plan.

  ​Rio Ferdinand has urged Manchester United to prioritize “dynamic” reinforcements, identifying Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson as an ideal midfield target.

  While United have been linked with Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali, Ferdinand believes the club needs a more robust character to support Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes.

  He stated: “Elliot Anderson is the right type not only of player but character.”

  ​The former captain argued that a “realistic” window should include two midfielders, a forward, and a full-back to bolster Michael Carrick’s squad.

  Ferdinand expressed doubts over other high-profile targets, preferring the “all-action” style of the former Newcastle academy graduate.

  He noted: “I just think the type of midfielder United need is somebody who can cover ground, who is dynamic, who is robust.”

• Roberto De Zerbi made Liverpool ‘regret’ admission before Tottenham talks – ‘It annoyed me’

  Former Brighton and Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly close to signing a five-year contract with Tottenham Hotspur following the dismissal of interim boss Igor Tudor after just 44 days.

  ​Tottenham Hotspur are in advanced negotiations with Roberto De Zerbi as they battle to avoid Premier League relegation.

  The Italian, who left Marseille earlier this year, is reportedly open to a five-year deal following the departure of Igor Tudor.

  De Zerbi recently voiced frustrations after a 3-0 loss to Liverpool, admitting, “It annoyed me that we didn’t read the game properly.”

  ​Spurs currently sit just one point above the relegation zone with only seven games remaining.

  De Zerbi’s potential appointment follows a disastrous spell under Tudor, who managed just one point in league play.

  Reflecting on his team’s failures against elite opposition in January, De Zerbi noted, “The attitude, the will, was there, but it’s not enough against Liverpool.”

• ‘I am happy’: Senne Lammens makes big Thibaut Courtois claim after Belgium’s 5-2 win vs USA

  Senne Lammens delivered a commanding 90-minute performance in Belgium’s 5-2 victory over the USA, solidifying his position as the primary deputy to Thibaut Courtois.

  ​Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens impressed during Belgium’s 5-2 friendly win against the USA in Atlanta.

  Despite a shaky start for the Red Devils, the 23-year-old made vital early saves to keep the scores level at halftime.

  His distribution was equally notable, completing 28 passes and seven long balls, proving his development in the Premier League has translated well to the international stage.

  ​The United ace expressed satisfaction with his performance while acknowledging Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois as the established number one.

  Lammens stated: “There are clearly many good goalkeepers in Belgium. I am trying to seize my opportunity, and I am happy to be number 2 after Thibaut.”

  With Courtois sidelined until May, Lammens appears to have overtaken Matz Sels in the pecking order for the summer World Cup.

• Barcelona star voices frustration over lack of play time

  Swedish winger Roony Bardghji has publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with his lack of minutes under Hansi Flick, fueling speculation about a potential summer departure from Barcelona.

  ​Barcelona winger Roony Bardghji has voiced his grievances regarding a lack of playing time during his debut season at the Spotify Camp Nou.

  Despite making 22 appearances, primarily as a substitute, the former FC Copenhagen star feels he has earned a more prominent role.

  “I have patience but, honestly, I think I deserve to play more,” Bardghji told Sverige Television, adding, “I’m not 100% happy.”

  ​The 20-year-old’s comments come amid reports that Barcelona is scouting versatile wingers like Marcus Rashford for the summer transfer window.

  While Hansi Flick blocked a winter move to FC Porto, Bardghji’s public stance may now facilitate a loan or permanent exit.

  The winger remains confident in his ability, stating, “I know what I can do, I have a lot of confidence in myself,” despite the growing competition.