Late Charles strike knocks Arsenal out as Southampton reach FA Cup semi-finals

Arsenal were stunned by a late strike from substitute Shea Charles as Southampton knocked the Premier League leaders out of the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday.

The match was Arsenal’s first outing since their Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City, and came after an international break during which 11 of their players withdrew from national-team duty through injury.

Despite the fitness concerns, manager Mikel Arteta fielded a strong side featuring captain Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes, with Arsenal determined to stay on track for a league-and-cup double.

But, as reported by the BBC, it was Southampton—unbeaten in 14 matches heading into the tie—who created the clearer chances and executed their game plan more effectively at a buoyant St Mary’s.

The hosts took the lead in the 35th minute from a floated delivery into the penalty area. White misjudged James Bree’scross, allowing Ross Stewart to bring the ball down and sweep a clinical finish beyond Kepa Arrizabalaga into the right corner.

Arteta responded with a triple substitution in the second half, introducing Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke and Riccardo Calafiori, but Southampton continued to threaten. Tom Fellows fired narrowly over the bar, while Leo Scienzastruck the crossbar with a curling effort.

Arsenal briefly regained momentum when Gabriel threaded a clever pass to Havertz, who squared for Gyokeres to equalise in the 68th minute.

But the Championship promotion contenders refused to back down. Their pressure was rewarded when Fellows slipped in Charles, who finished calmly into the bottom-left corner to spark jubilant scenes among the home supporters.

Arsenal pushed desperately for a second equaliser but could not find a way back, as Southampton booked their first FA Cup semi-final appearance since 2021 and condemned Arteta’s side to another cup disappointment.

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