Southampton stunned Premier League leaders Arsenal with a dramatic late winner from Shea Charles to book their place in the FA Cup Semi‑Finals and spark unforgettable celebrations at St Mary’s.
It was a tie that many expected Arsenal to navigate, particularly after their Carabao Cup Final loss to Manchester City and the return from an international break in which 11 Gunners players withdrew from their national teams through injury.
Even so, Mikel Arteta was able to field a strong XI featuring captain Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Ben White and Gabriel Magalhães - a clear sign of Arsenal’s intent to progress.
But it was Tonda Eckert’s Southampton who rose to the occasion with a commanding and courageous performance, creating the better chances and showing the kind of ambition that has defined their impressive season.
Although Arsenal dominated the ball, the Saints’ direct approach and willingness to exploit space behind the visiting back line caused problems throughout.
Saints’ breakthrough arrived in the 35th minute.
James Bree’s floated delivery from the right caused uncertainty in the Arsenal defence, with White misjudging its flight.
Ross Stewart reacted sharply, cushioning the ball before sweeping a clinical finish beyond Kepa Arrizabalaga into the far corner - a goal greeted by a wall of noise from the home support.
Arsenal responded after the break and introduced Viktor Gyökeres, Noni Madueke and Riccardo Calafiori in a triple substitution, yet Southampton continued to pose the greater attacking threat.
Tom Fellows fired narrowly over before the lively Leo Scienza bent a superb effort against the crossbar as Eckert’s men pushed for a second.
The visitors eventually levelled in the 68th minute, Gabriel threading a perfect pass to release Havertz, who squared for Gyökeres to tap home.
But Southampton refused to let the moment slip away.
And with the clock running down, Fellows combined brilliantly with substitute Shea Charles, who collected a short pass on the edge of the area and drilled a precise finish into the bottom-left corner.
St Mary’s erupted as the Saints reclaimed the lead - and their energy carried them through a nervy final spell as Arsenal pressed desperately for another equaliser that never came.
Arsenal’s hopes of a domestic double were extinguished, while Southampton marched into the FA Cup semi‑finals for the first time since 2021.
The club also now stand proudly as the only EFL side left in the competition, after Port Vale were beaten 7–0 at Chelsea.