Mikel Arteta reacts to performances of Pepe and Willian

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has refused to criticise the performances of Nicolas Pepe and Willian after the club's FA Cup exit.

The north London outfit bowed out of the competition with a disappointing 1-0 loss at Southampton where the attack failed to impress.

Pepe and Willian were handed starts against the Saints, but neither were able to make the difference as the Gunners suffered a fourth round exit.

This has led to widespread criticism from the fans, but Arteta has said that he would take positives from the displays of the experienced duo.

"I want to think positively and think they are going to reach their level very soon. The way they train every day is to reach that level and we are here to support them again, and not to think in a negative way," He told Arsenal.com.

The Gunners are scheduled to face the Saints again in the Premier League on Tuesday night and Arteta is bound to revert to the regular starters.

The likes of Emile Smith Rowe, Kieran Tierney, Bukayo Saka and Alexandre Lacazette should all return to the starting lineup.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's involvement appears doubtful after he left prior to the Cup game due to personal reasons.