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Just a few weeks ago, Arsenal fans dared to dream the impossible. With Mikel Arteta’s side sitting comfortably at the top of the Premier League, reaching the EFL Cup final, progressing smoothly in the FA Cup, and looking strong in the Champions League, talk of a historic quadruple filled the air at the Emirates Stadium.
Now, in early April 2026, two of those trophies have slipped away, leaving the Gunners to fight for the remaining two: the Premier League title and the UEFA Champions League.
The Road to Quadruple Glory – and the First Blow
Arsenal entered 2026 in scintillating form. They led the Premier League by a healthy margin and had navigated their way to the EFL Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley in March.
The Carabao Cup offered a realistic chance of ending a long wait for silverware and building momentum for a potential clean sweep.
However, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City had other ideas. In a disciplined display at Wembley on March 22, City ran out 2-0 winners, with Nico O’Reilly scoring twice in the second half.
Arsenal’s wait for a first major trophy since 2020 continued, and the quadruple dream took its first major hit. Many viewed the EFL Cup as the most attainable piece of silverware — its loss was a painful but perhaps expected setback against such strong opposition.
FA Cup Exit Seals the Double Blow
The second blow arrived just days ago on April 4, 2026. Arsenal travelled to St Mary’s Stadium as heavy favourites against Championship side Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-final. A place in the semi-finals at Wembley seemed almost guaranteed.
Instead, the Saints produced a classic cup upset. Ross Stewart gave the hosts a first-half lead, and although Viktor Gyökeres equalised for Arsenal in the 68th minute, substitute Shea Charles struck a dramatic 85th-minute winner. Southampton ran out 2-1 victors, sending the home crowd into delirium and Arsenal crashing out of the FA Cup.
This defeat means the Gunners’ domestic cup hopes are over for the season. Two trophies — the EFL Cup and the FA Cup — are now gone. The quadruple is officially dead.
Two Trophies Remain: Premier League and Champions League
Despite the disappointment, Arsenal’s season remains very much alive — and highly promising.
In the Premier League, Mikel Arteta’s team still lead the table as April begins. With a strong squad and consistent performances throughout the campaign, they remain firm favourites to claim their first league title since 2004. The remaining fixtures will test their nerve, but the foundation is solid.
In the UEFA Champions League, Arsenal have reached the quarter-finals and are widely regarded as one of the favourites to lift the trophy for the first time in their history.
Progress in Europe has been impressive, and the squad possesses the quality and depth to go all the way to the final in May.
Mikel Arteta spoke after the Southampton defeat about learning from defensive errors and refocusing quickly. “We are still in two competitions where we can achieve something special,” he is understood to have told his players. The message is clear: season not over.
What Lies Ahead
The coming weeks will define Arsenal’s 2025/26 campaign. A domestic double remains out of reach, but a Premier League and Champions League double would still rank among the greatest achievements in the club’s modern era.
For the players and fans, the pain of the two cup exits must now fuel a renewed determination. The squad has shown resilience all season — that quality will be needed more than ever as they chase glory on two fronts.
The quadruple dream may be over, but a memorable double is still very much within reach. The journey continues.