Arsenal suffered a stunning FA Cup quarter-final exit, falling 2-1 to Championship side Southampton at St Mary’s on Saturday.
Shea Charles’ late winner sealed a memorable giant-killing, as Ross Stewart’s first-half strike gave the Saints the lead and Viktor Gyokeres’ equaliser proved insufficient to save the Premier League leaders from just their fifth loss of the season.
Mikel Arteta’s side had already missed out on silverware, losing the League Cup final to Manchester City before the international break, and another opportunity to end their six-year trophy drought slipped away.
Despite the setback, Arsenal remain firm favourites for the Premier League title, holding a nine-point lead over second-placed City. But Arteta faces questions over a sudden wobble, especially with injuries forcing the withdrawal of 11 players from international duty, including England stars Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice. Gyokeres, William Saliba, and Martin Zubimendi started on the bench against Southampton. Arsenal now must refocus quickly ahead of their Champions League quarter-final first leg at Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday.
Southampton celebrate historic win
Fifty years after their shock 1976 FA Cup triumph over Manchester United, Southampton claimed another famous scalp, wearing yellow-and-blue commemorative kits to mark Bobby Stokes’ Wembley winner. After a surprise fifth-round win over Fulham, this victory over Arsenal ranks as one of the club’s greatest achievements.
Southampton, unbeaten in their last 15 matches, reach the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2021. Their primary focus remains returning to the Premier League, currently sitting seventh in the Championship, just one point behind sixth-placed Wrexham.
Arsenal struggled from the start on a windy evening. Stewart’s opener came in the 32nd minute after a swift counter-attack and a misjudged Ben White clearance allowed a low finish past Kepa Arrizabalaga. Gyokeres equalised in the 68th minute after a cut-back from Kai Havertz, but Gabriel Magalhaes’ injury disrupted Arsenal’s rhythm. Charles sealed the upset in the 85th minute with a composed finish, sparking scenes of jubilation at St Mary’s.
AFP
