Southampton Beats Arsenal Out of FA Cup (READ DETAILS)
Bernard Nelson
Jan 25, 2021
Southampton dumped FA Cup holders Arsenal out of the competition on Saturday, winning 1-0 courtesy of a Gabriel own goal to set up a fifth-round meeting with Wolves.
The much-changed Gunners, who have won the competition a record 14 times, fell behind midway through the first half and could not find a way back.
READ ALSO: ADC Recognises Dasin As Adamawa Chairman Amid Leadership Tussle ÔÇó
Ralph Hasenhuttl fielded a strong side at St Mary's, with Danny Ings returning after a hamstring injury and a positive coronavirus test alongside former Arsenal forward Theo Walcott.
READ ALSO: COVID-19: Police parade drivers, 26 passengers for 'invading' Cross River from Akwa Ibom
Mikel Arteta made seven changes from their 3-0 Premier League win against Newcastle on Monday.
READ ALSO: Ofuji Ndị Igbo Sets 2026 Agenda, Promises Greater Community Engagement
Southampton, who had never previously beaten Arsenal in the FA Cup, were the brighter team in the first half in the winter sunshine on England's south coast.
READ ALSO: BBNaija: Beauty apologises to fans for her disqualification
James Ward-Prowse rattled the crossbar from a swerving corner and Che Adams forced a fine save from Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
READ ALSO: "Ikwuano Locked Down For Alex OttiÔÇØ - Monday Ubani SAN Sends Strong Message To Opposition
Southampton got the reward their positive approach deserved in the 24th minute.
READ ALSO: Bloodbath At Wedding: Bandits Kill 13, Abduct Many In Midnight Attack In Kaduna Community
Mohamed Elneny gave away possession on the edge of his own box and the ball was worked to Kyle Walker-Peters on the right side of the Southampton attack.
READ ALSO: How GTB ATM Held Man's Card, Then N810,000 Disappeared from His Account
The defender drilled it across the six-yard area and it was inadvertently turned in by Gabriel - the first time rejuvenated Arsenal had conceded since December 26 against Chelsea.
READ ALSO: Late closure of Airport, borders caused the spread of COVID 19 - Sanwo Olu
Ward-Prowse then struck a shot from distance that sailed wide and Ings hit a fierce volley that was blocked by Hector Bellerin.
READ ALSO: How a Catholic Priest Slumped and Died While Delivering Homily in Delta Church
Arsenal found their feet in the second half and Fraser Forster was forced to make a sharp save with his feet to keep out Eddie Nketiah's deflected shot after a pass from Nicolas Pepe.
READ ALSO: Mother's Day: Abia Government Liaison Officer Honours Women, Says Mothers Shape Future Leaders
Arteta threw on forward Alexandre Lacazette to bolster his attack as Arsenal pinned Southampton back.
READ ALSO: HOT! Zamfara: You will lose your seat if you leave PDP - Yari warns Gov. Matawalle
Lacazette was inches away from getting on the end of a teasing cross by fellow substitute Bukayo Saka as the minutes ticked away but Arsenal could not find an equaliser.
The exit will be a bitter disappointment for Arsenal, who have won the FA Cup four times in the past seven seasons - in sharp contrast to their toils in the Premier League.
READ ALSO: ADC Recognises Dasin As Adamawa Chairman Amid Leadership Tussle ÔÇó
Arteta's side will return to Southampton for a league meeting on Tuesday, aiming to continue their fine recent run that has lifted them to 10th in the table.
Related Stories
Bloodbath At Wedding: Bandits Kill 13, Abduct Many In Midnight Attack In Kaduna Community
"Ikwuano Locked Down For Alex OttiÔÇØ - Monday Ubani SAN Sends Strong Message To Opposition
Mother's Day: Abia Government Liaison Officer Honours Women, Says Mothers Shape Future Leaders
Why ICPC Is Prosecuting Mike Ozekhome Over a London Property Deal That Has Shaken Nigeria's Legal Circle | READ DETAILS
Ofuji Ndị Igbo Sets 2026 Agenda, Promises Greater Community Engagement
How a Catholic Priest Slumped and Died While Delivering Homily in Delta Church
""
— Bernard Nelson