Scotland international stars in dramatic to book spot in final four.
Scotland international Ross Stewart continued his promising season in front of goal as he helped fire second-tier Southampton into the semi-final of the FA Cup with a stunning 2-1 win over favourites Arsenal at St Mary’s.
Huge underdogs heading into the game, the Scottish forward shot the home side into a shock first-half lead when he calmly collected James Bree’s cross to place beyond Kepa Arrizabalaga in the Gunners’ goal at 35 minutes. Viktor Gyokeres levelled the scores on 68 minutes, but Southampton’s Shea Charles sealed a shock win for Tonda Eckert’s side when he poked home with just five minutes to play.
Having endured a nightmare two year spell with injuries following an £8million move from Sunderland in the summer of 2023, the two-cap international has rediscovered his form this season, scoring six goals and assisting a further six since returning to fitness in late September.
“We knew Arsenal would high press,” said Stewart. “We felt like a lot of the time an out ball would be that release pass, so it was just trying to get the balance of when I could show short, or show long. I balanced quite well, and we caused them problems. I thought we had a great out ball night. We felt a constant threat, and I thought we showed that with two really good goals.
“But at the same time we know Arsenal are a top, top team that would have spells in the game and we had to really manage that. I thought we done that really well, we limited them to shots from long-range, and Shea has popped up with a winner at the end. These are nights that when all the hard rehab sessions, and the solo rehab sessions to bring that buzz back are worth it. I’ve missed it, and hopefully I can have more of it.
Having booked a semi-final spot at Wembley later this month with victory, the Saints are now just one step away from having an opportunity at lifting the famous trophy for the first time since 1976. However, Stewart is hoping they can book more trips to the famous stadium in the months after a 14-game unbeaten run put them on the cusp of an EFL Championship playoff spot ahead of their crucial game against sixth-placed Wrexham in Wales on Tuesday night.
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“It’s an unbelievable night for the club,” said Stewart. “We believed we could do it, it’s a great result and what a day to look forward to [at Wembley in the semi-final]. That’s credit to the manager, tactically he’s been incredible since he’s come in and we knew ways that we could hurt them, I think you saw all night we were a threat on the counter. We played really good stuff. But it’ll be back to business on Tuesday which will be a different game.”