Southampton pulled off the biggest upset of the 2026 FA Cup, defeating Arsenal 2-1 and eliminating them from the quarter-finals.
This was Arsenal’s first match since losing the Carabao Cup final to Manchester City, and it followed an international break during which 11 Gunners players withdrew from international duty due to injury.
Southampton, aiming for promotion to the Premier League, entered this match on a 14-game unbeaten run, and their strategy of sending long, quick balls behind Arsenal’s defense caused the London side constant problems throughout the game.
The home side took the lead in the 35th minute when Ross Stewart headed a cross into the box past goalkeeper Kepa.
The visitors equalized when Gabriel cleverly played a through ball to Havertz, who then crossed for Georgios to tap in in the 68th minute.
But Southampton refused to give up, and substitute Shea Charles ignited the crowd after receiving a short pass from Veloz and finishing with a clever shot into the bottom left corner.
Arsenal searched for a second equalizer but couldn’t find it, and Southampton reached the semi-finals for the first time since 2021.
