Southampton Shocks Arsenal to Reach FA Cup Semis
Synopsis
In a stunning turn of events, Southampton eliminated Arsenal from the FA Cup quarterfinals with a late goal from Shea Charles. This victory highlights the unpredictability of cup competitions and pays homage to the club's historical legacy.
Key Takeaways
Southampton eliminated Arsenal from the FA Cup.
Shea Charles scored a late winner.
Manchester City continued their dominance with a 4-0 win over Liverpool .
Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick for City.
Chelsea convincingly progressed to the semi-finals with a 7-0 victory.
New Delhi, April 5 (NationPress) A late goal from Shea Charles propelled Southampton into the FA Cup semi-finals, shocking Arsenal, the Premier League leaders and 14-time champions. Ross Stewart opened the scoring 10 minutes before halftime following a swift counter-attack, taking advantage of a missed opportunity by Leo Scienza.
In the second half, Scienza nearly added to the tally, rattling the crossbar with a curling shot, before Arsenal's substitute Viktor Gyokeres equalized just seven minutes after his introduction.
However, it was another substitute, Shea Charles, who delivered the decisive blow, side-footing a brilliant winner five minutes from the end, honoring the heroes of ’76, 50 years later.
Coach Tonda Eckert made five changes to his lineup after a 2-0 victory over Oxford, which had lifted the Saints into the Championship play-off spots, extending their unbeaten streak to 14 matches across all competitions.
Meanwhile, Erling Haaland showcased his scoring prowess with a hat-trick as Manchester City advanced to the semi-finals for the eighth year in a row, dominating Liverpool with a 4-0 win at the Etihad Stadium.
Antoine Semenyo also scored, as last year's runners-up continued their quest for glory this season, achieving their 18th consecutive home win in the tournament.
This victory surpassed Clapham Rovers’ record of 17 straight home wins in the FA Cup from 1873 to 1881, illustrating their dominance since February 2017, with their last home defeat against Middlesbrough in January 2015.
Additionally, this marked City's 32nd consecutive victory in the FA Cup outside Wembley (in semi-finals and finals), underscoring their remarkable consistency under Guardiola.
City has lifted the FA Cup trophy seven times, including twice under Guardiola, who boasts a total of 19 major trophies at the club.
In other news, Chelsea convincingly secured a spot in the semi-finals, scoring seven goals without conceding, as they overwhelmed Port Vale at Stamford Bridge.
Point of View
It is essential to acknowledge the significance of this upset in the FA Cup. Southampton's victory not only showcases the unpredictability of knockout football but also emphasizes the rich history and legacy of the club. This match serves as a reminder that in football, anything is possible, regardless of league standings.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who scored the winning goal for Southampton?
Shea Charles scored the winning goal for Southampton in their FA Cup quarterfinal match against Arsenal.
What was the final score of the Southampton vs Arsenal match?
Southampton defeated Arsenal 2-1 in the FA Cup quarterfinals.
How did Manchester City perform in their FA Cup match?
Manchester City won 4-0 against Liverpool, with Erling Haaland scoring a hat-trick.
What is the historical significance of Southampton's victory?
Southampton's victory pays tribute to the club's heroes from 1976, marking 50 years since their historic achievements.
How many times has Manchester City won the FA Cup?
Manchester City has won the FA Cup seven times, including twice under coach Guardiola.
