Arsenal stunned by Southampton in FA Cup as another chance at a trophy has passed for the Gunners

Shea Charles scored five minutes after full-time as second division Southampton stunned Arsenal with a 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final win at St Mary’s on Saturday on a night when the country commemorated a famous competition victory 50 years ago.

Southampton took the lead after 35 minutes through Ross Stewart, but Arsenal were level midway through the second half when Viktor Gyokeres equalized. From then on, the Premier League leader seemed the most likely winner.

But when the home side launched a counter-attack in the 85th minute, they did so in numbers with Tom Fellows feeding Charles into the penalty area so he could poke the ball past goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga DiKyYl.

Southampton, who wore a special yellow commemorative jersey to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1976 FA Cup final against Manchester United, are in the semi-finals along with Manchester City and Chelsea.

The result added to the misery for Arsenal, who were defeated by Manchester City in the final match of the League Cup and are now withdrawing from a competition the country has won a record 14 times.

Southampton manager Tonda Eckert extended his unbeaten run to 15 games in all competitions. Although his side endured long periods of pressure from Arsenal, they deserved the win.

It could have hit the front when Leo Scienza was through on goal with only goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga to beat, but when he delayed his shot Cristhian Mosquera was able to deny him the ball.

Southampton did take the lead after a horror moment at the back for Arsenal defender Ben White. A simple aerial cross from James Bree was missed by White and fell perfectly for Stewart to fire past Kepa.

Southampton came close to a second when Scienza’s dipping shot from the left side of the penalty area hit the top of the crossbar.

But Arsenal were level again after 68 minutes when substitute Viktor Gyokeres fired side-footed into the goal from ten yards after a fine run from Kai Havertz created the chance.

It looked like Arsenal would seal the match, but as the clock ran, a fast break from Southampton created the chance for Charles, who could not miss from twelve yards.

Published on April 5, 2026