FA Cup
7:00 p.mApril 4, 2026
Quarter finals
Santa Maria Stadium
Referee: Samuel Barrott, England
Southampton
arsenal
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0.00
Expected Goals (xG)
0.00
Passing by
233 (79%)
Accurate passes
458 (89%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
13
G
Kepa Arrizabalaga
6.2
49
d
Myles Lewis-Skelly
6.3
6
d
Gabriel Magalhães
7.2
3
d
Christian Mosquera
6.3
4
d
Ben White
5.7
16
M
Christian Nørgaard
6.9
8
M
Martin Ødegaard (C)
6.9
M
Gabriel Martinelli
90+4′ Unsportsmanlike conductM
Kai Havertz
68′
56
M
Max Dowman
7.0
9
F
Gabriel Jesus
6.0
No ranking data available for this league
Southampton pulled off a stunning upset, defeating Arsenal 2-1 in a thrilling FA Cup clash in St. Mary’s, boosted by a late winner and the goalkeeper’s heroics.
Southampton put in a memorable FA Cup performance, securing a dramatic 2-1 win over Arsenal at St. mary A late strike from substitute Shea Charles sealed the win, ensuring the Saints progressed to the next round of the prestigious competition.
The Gunners, traditionally strong cup contenders, arrived as clear favourites, aiming to make a deep run. However, they came up against a resilient Southampton side, determined to cause an upset at home.
The first half started with Arsenal controlling possession but struggling to break down Southampton’s organized defence. The intensity was clear at first. Southampton’s Ryan Manning received the first yellow card of the game in the 27th minute for a tactical foul.
Southampton then took their first clear chance. In the 35th minute, Ross Stewart opened the scoring for the home side. James Bree provided a perfectly weighted assist, which allowed Stewart to guide his shot past the Arsenal keeper.
The Saints held a surprising lead as the teams headed into the break. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was undoubtedly looking for more attacking impetus from his side. The Gunners had to find a way through Southampton’s disciplined defensive lines.
Arsenal came out with renewed vigor after half-time, pushing hard for an equaliser. Manager Arteta made significant attacking changes around the hour mark. Gabriel Jesus, M. Lewis-Skelly and Martin Ødegaard were introduced to bolster the Gunners’ attack.
His persistence paid off in the 68th minute as Viktor Gyökeres equalized for Arsenal, finishing expertly after a smart assist from Kai Havertz. The goal ignited the tie, setting up a tense final period.
Southampton quickly responded with strategic substitutions, giving new legs. Crucially, Shea Charles entered the game in the 76th minute. Just nine minutes later, Charles became the hero, scoring the winning goal in the 85th minute after a pinpoint pass from Tom Fellows.
The closing stages were full of frenetic action. Southampton worked hard to defend their slender lead. C. Jander received a yellow card for Saints in the 90th minute. Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli also saw yellow in stoppage time, highlighting the high stakes of the match.
Despite Arsenal’s dominance in possession with 64% and a total of 23 significant shots, only 7 were on target. Southampton, with just 36% possession and 7 shots in total, converted 3 of their shots on goal. Daniel Peretz was instrumental for the Saints, making 6 crucial saves.
This thrilling FA Cup win propels Southampton into the next round, marking a highlight of their season. For Arsenal, it signals a disappointing early exit from a competition they hoped to challenge.
Southampton will now await the draw for the next round of the FA Cup, taking a significant boost from this memorable win. Arsenal need to regroup quickly and focus on their remaining league games.
