Southampton produced a stunning performance to defeat Premier League leaders Arsenal 2-1 at St Mary's and book their place in the FA Cup semi-finals. The Championship side, managed by Tonda Eckert, took the game to their top-flight opponents from the first whistle and fully deserved their victory.
Ross Stewart opened the scoring for the hosts with a deft finish, before Arsenal equalised through a second-half strike. However, substitute Shea Charles scored the winner to send the home fans into raptures. Southampton's disciplined defending and incisive counter-attacks proved too much for Mikel Arteta's side, who struggled to cope with the wind and injuries.
Speaking after the match, Eckert praised his team's versatility: "We knew we had to dig deep in some moments. Over the 90 minutes it was very well deserved. We have shown that we are able to play games in different ways." Match-winner Charles added: "To go to Wembley in the FA Cup is unbelievable. It shows how good we've been. We can dare to dream!"
Arsenal boss Arteta lamented his side's missed chances: "We had two massive chances before Southampton scored. We needed to capitalise on them. Now we have to show what we are made of." The Gunners' trophy hopes now rest solely on the Premier League and Champions League.
Southampton, the only non-Premier League side left in the competition, will now look to emulate the class of 1976, who won the FA Cup as a second-tier team. On this evidence, nothing is out of reach for Eckert's resurgent side.
