Arsenal’s push for multiple trophies suffers a major setback as Southampton win 2-1 in the FA Cup quarter-final at St. Mary’s, with Shea Charles striking in the 85th minute. The Championship side end hopes of a domestic treble, leaving Mikel Arteta’s team focused only on the Premier League and Champions League after a second cup exit in quick succession.
The decisive goal arrives late, but Southampton threaten throughout and expose Arsenal’s unsettled defence. Ross Stewart puts the hosts ahead before half-time, Viktor Gyokeres levels from the bench, then Charles punishes another defensive lapse. Arsenal also lose Gabriel Magalhaes to an apparent knee problem, adding further concern after defeat to Manchester City in the EFL Cup final.
Arsenal
seem to be pushing for a winner when everything turns against them in the final stages. Substitute Max Dowman is denied by another sharp save from Daniel Peretz, then Southampton surge forward again. Tom Fellows drives at the defence down the right and Charles finishes off the inside of the post, sending St. Mary’s into celebration and Arsenal out of the competition.
Earlier, the visitors show attacking intent but look fragile whenever Southampton counter. Leo Scienza carries a constant threat from the left channel, seeing a penalty appeal rejected and later miscontrolling when Gabriel’s mistake leaves a clear one-v-one chance. That pattern, with Arsenal dangerous but exposed, continues throughout and shapes the outcome of the tie.
The opening goal reflects those defensive issues. Under pressure, Arsenal fail to deal with James Bree’s delivery from the right. Ben White misjudges the cross, allowing Stewart crucial time to control and guide the ball past Kepa Arrizabalaga. Southampton deserve their interval advantage after creating the clearer openings, while Arsenal struggle for control at the back.
Southampton almost extend the lead soon after half-time, again targeting space behind Arsenal’s full-backs. Fellows rifles one effort over the bar before Scienza bends a curling attempt that clips the top of the crossbar. Those misses appear costly when Arsenal respond on 68 minutes, Gyokeres tucking Kai Havertz’s square pass into an empty net to make it 1-1.
Before the equaliser, Arsenal generate pressure but lack clinical edge. Martin Odegaard forces Peretz into a solid stop from around 20 yards, then drags another chance wide after being picked out by Gabriel Martinelli. Peretz later saves from Dowman as Arsenal push harder, yet the overall pattern remains uneasy, with misplaced passes repeatedly inviting Southampton counters.
Martinelli carries significant threat on the left flank but cannot change the result. One fierce shot is headed behind by Taylor Harwood-Bellis, while other half-chances go begging. In the closing minutes, both Martinelli and Noni Madueke miss openings to force a second equaliser, leaving Arsenal unable to recover from Charles’ late strike and Stewart’s first-half finish.
WE'RE GOING TO WEMBLEY pic.twitter.com/mm5EzUlCZDSouthampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) April 4, 2026
Arsenal vs Southampton FA Cup stats highlight historic Saints upset
The numbers underline how Southampton make the most of fewer chances against Arsenal. Arteta’s team attempt 23 shots compared to eight for Southampton, yet the expected goals figures are closer, at 1.77 for Arsenal and 1.21 for the hosts. That narrower gap shows how Southampton create clear chances while limiting Arsenal to less dangerous positions.
Arsenal arrive with a dominant FA Cup record against lower-division teams, having progressed from 45 of the previous 48 ties versus clubs outside the top flight. They also win 14 of their last 16 quarter-finals before this trip. However, defensive uncertainty after the Wembley loss to Manchester City is clear from the first whistle at St. Mary’s.
Southampton’s progress adds a notable chapter to the club’s FA Cup history. After beating Fulham in the fifth round, they have now eliminated two top-flight sides in one campaign while outside the top tier for the first time since 1975-76. That season ends with Southampton lifting the FA Cup, still the only time the club wins the tournament.
The hosts also mark that anniversary with a visual reminder. Southampton wear a special yellow and blue kit to recognise 50 years since the 1975-76 triumph. The victory over Arsenal sends the club back to Wembley and keeps alive hopes of adding another memorable chapter to that legacy, while Arsenal’s season targets narrow to two competitions.
| Team | Shots | Expected Goals (xG) |
|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | 23 | 1.77 |
| Southampton | 8 | 1.21 |
For Southampton, this FA Cup quarter-final win over Arsenal strengthens belief built during the run that also includes victory over Fulham. For Arsenal, who were chasing a quadruple only two weeks earlier, the defeat follows the EFL Cup final loss and leaves the Premier League and Champions League as the remaining goals.
