Stewart opened the scoring at St Mary’s as Championship Saints dumped out Premier League champions-elect Arsenal to reach the semi-final.
The Scot, who has endured injury struggles over his three years on the south coast, beat Ben White at the back post and slammed past Kepa.
Stewart admitted he has missed the feeling of scoring important goals, and knows this special strike will live long in the memory.
“I couldn’t believe it. It was a good ball from Breezy. Ben White gets caught under it, I was thinking ‘keep your head over it and hit the target',” he said.
Ross Stewart loves an @EmiratesFACup goal 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/FOLEGribOj
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) April 5, 2026
“When it found the corner, it was a feeling I’ve missed, to be honest. I’ve had a lot of injury problems and frustrations over the last year or two.
“Those feelings are why you go through all the difficult solo rehab sessions. Those are the feelings I love. It was a game of pure elation.
“We knew it was going to be a difficult game, but we showed so much of where we are as a club at the minute.
“We showed so much belief, so much confidence, so much character, which is what you need against a team like Arsenal.
“We were well worth it and were a threat all night in transition. A lot of credit goes to the manager - the team has full confidence because he gets it right on so many occasions. "
Due to several setbacks, it took Stewart until the final game of his second season at Saints to notch his first goal, which also came against Arsenal.
Ross Stewart scored the opening goal for Saints against Arsenal.Ross Stewart scored the opening goal for Saints against Arsenal. (Image: Stuart Martin)
The ex-Sunderland striker has come into his own during a campaign less fraught with injuries, although he did miss three months between October and January.
Yet despite the persistent fitness struggles, Stewart seems to have a knack for hitting the ground running upon each return to action.
He has hit five goals since his most recent recovery, discounting games missed with tightness, including crucial strikes against Fulham and Leicester.
“When I get into those positions, I back myself every time,” he added. “It was nice for that one to hit the corner.
“I know the game very well, I’m 29 and have a lot of experience I can lean back on. It’s knowing when I can run back or when I should save my legs.
Ross Stewart scored the opening goal for Saints against Arsenal.Ross Stewart scored the opening goal for Saints against Arsenal. (Image: Stuart Martin)
“I always try to be an outlet. At times, people say that I don’t need to do as much as I do, that I should stay more central and be a vocal point.
“But I’m still learning. When you miss weeks and months through not playing, and you get that first taste back, you're like a young kid again.
“I just want to go out and play. That’s always been me. At times, I need to keep telling myself to look after myself a little more.
“I always love being involved. That was a lovely moment for me tonight and one I’ll always look back on.”