61 min: Tactical Changes
Arsenal make a triple substitution, bringing on Gyokeres, Madueke, and Calafiori in place of Lewis-Skelly, Odegaard, and Jesus.
60 min: Missed Opportunity for Arsenal
Mosquera attempts a risky pass across the back line, missing Gabriel. Fellows intercepts and advances towards the box but shoots over the bar, offering a significant reprieve for Arsenal.
59 min: Arsenal Defend Corner
Arsenal manage to clear the in-swinging corner without trouble.
58 min: Southampton Pressure Continues
Southampton maintain pressure on Arsenal. Bree delivers a cross from the left, forcing Mosquera to head the ball over his own crossbar under pressure from Stewart. Manning prepares to take the corner from the right side.
57 min: Southampton Earn Corner
Lewis-Skelly loses possession in midfield, allowing Fellows to break into the box down the right and win a corner. Scienza takes the corner, which is worked along the flank before he sends a dangerous cross into the area. Gabriel clears with yellow-shirted players nearby.
56 min: Arsenal Counter Threat
Scienza, orchestrating from deep, nearly finds Fellows with a precise through ball. Kepa rushes out to clear the danger. Southampton continue to look for opportunities to attack.
54 min: Arsenal Corner and Defensive Play
Martinelli delivers a corner beneath the crossbar, which Peretz punches away. Martinelli advances down the left; Fellows considers a challenge but refrains, resulting in minimal contact and no referee intervention.
53 min: Arsenal Attack Blocked
Martinelli advances on the left and crosses towards Dowman, who shoots low. Manning deflects the ball over the bar for a corner.
52 min: Arsenal Error
Gabriel miscontrols a clearance, sending the ball out of play to the amusement of the home crowd. Arsenal appear somewhat unsettled.
50 min: Free Kick Opportunity
Lewis-Skelly is fouled by Fellows near the edge of the box. Martinelli prepares to take the free kick but Odegaard unexpectedly takes it, sending a flat ball into the area. Jesus flicks it on, and Peretz collects comfortably.
48 min: Southampton Foul
Scienza is fouled by White after spinning past him. Despite the cynical nature of the foul, White is not cautioned.
47 min: Early Second Half
Two yellow balloons are on the pitch; no significant events reported yet.
Southampton restart the second half without changes.
Half-Time Reflections and Historical Context
“After their FA Cup final win in 1976, Southampton had the civic reception in the city,” begins Ian Burch. “Later that night and no doubt feeling a bit tired and emotional, Peter Osgood ‘borrowed’ the cup and drove it around the city in his car stopping off along the way and showing it off to anyone who wanted to have a look at it. Waking up the next day he suddenly remembered it was downstairs on his sideboard. Ossie of course is still the last player to score in every round of the FA Cup and to my generation will always be Chelsea’s greatest ever player. Fantastic.”
“It’s Easter time, isn’t it? Southampton doing an excellent impression of Easter bunnies, with the back line especially seemingly dazed by whatever is going on in front of them. Chocolate provided by the chocolate–teapot effectiveness of one or two of those further up. And, sadly, experience suggests little chance of any resurrection of goal scoring from their nominal number nine. Severe talking-to wanted at halftime” – Charles Antaki
“Back in 1976, when Saints last won ‘the bloody thing’ (© Mick Channon), Rod Stewart had an album out titled A Night on the Town, with a single called Tonight’s the Night. I’m guessing young Ross Stewart will having one himself, if tonight’s Southampton’s night” – Justin Kavanagh
“Having Jesus on their side, Arsenal should know how to deal with crosses better. Because someone had to say it…” – Andy Gordon
“I’m hoping Pep and his City boys have paid to have Arsenal piped into the dressing room at half time” – Simon ‘Tea-Time Whiskies’ McMahon
Half-Time Entertainment: 1976 FA Cup Final Recall
A brief historical note on Southampton’s 1976 FA Cup final victory over Manchester United is shared for context and enjoyment.
Southampton 1-0 Manchester United (FA Cup final, 1 May 1976)
’s leader column on the morning of the 1976 final highlighted Manchester United as the favourites but acknowledged Southampton’s underdog romance and talent. The article predicted a Manchester United victory as a necessity, describing a loss as a disaster. David Lacey, a writer, noted Southampton’s uneven talent but warned against underestimating them.
Southampton stunned Wembley and the wider football world when Bobby Stokes scored a late winner, a goal forever surrounded by offside controversy due to poor camerawork. The performance was not negative but based on a strong defensive platform with effective attacking opportunities.
Manchester United’s season had faltered, losing the league title to Liverpool and QPR after late-season defeats. Their cup challenge was lacklustre, with limited chances and a loss of morale. Southampton’s defensive resilience and counter-attacking threat proved decisive.
The victorious Southampton team received a massive civic reception with 175,000 people lining a 19-mile route through the city. Manchester United’s reception was more subdued, with a flat cardboard replica of the cup displayed on their bus.
Half-Time Score: Southampton 1-0 Arsenal
This scoreline reflects Southampton’s strong performance in the first half.
45 min +1: Arsenal Attack
Dowman advances down the right and passes to Norgaard, who shoots fiercely through a crowded box. The shot is unaltered and comfortably caught by Peretz.
45 min: Added Time
One minute of additional time is indicated.
43 min: VAR Check
A VAR review is conducted for a possible handball by Lewis-Skelly in the box, but replays confirm no infringement. Arsenal’s concern is alleviated.
41 min: Defensive Errors
Kepa rushes out to clear but miscues, allowing Havertz to gain possession. Havertz’s shot is blocked by Azaz, who struggles to clear the ball effectively. Arsenal appear unsettled.
40 min: Odegaard Penalised
Odegaard is penalised for pushing Jander in the back as he attempts to advance down the right. The Arsenal captain shows visible frustration.
39 min: Ineffective Delivery
Bree’s cross fails to find a teammate.
38 min: Dangerous Free Kick
White fouls Scienza just outside the box, conceding a free kick in a threatening position.
37 min: Goal by Stewart
White appears embarrassed after misjudging a jump. Stewart controls a cross on the penalty spot and calmly finishes into the bottom right corner, giving Southampton the lead. St Mary’s Stadium erupts in celebration.
34 min: Southampton Attack
Fellows creates space on the right and attempts a cross, which is unsuccessful. Southampton continue to pose a threat when advancing.
33 min: Defensive Lapse
White’s poor backpass nearly allows Stewart a chance, but Kepa clears in time.
32 min: Corner and Foul
A corner results in a foul against Norgaard for pushing.
31 min: Arsenal Threat
Havertz cuts in from the right and shoots towards the top left corner. The shot deflects off Wood and narrowly misses the goal. Peretz is unable to reach the ball.
30 min: Arsenal Shot Blocked
Havertz attempts another shot from the right, which Peretz blocks and turns around the post. A yellow balloon floating nearby distracts Peretz momentarily. Southampton clear the resulting corner. Peretz then bursts the balloon.
28 min: Defensive Duel
Manning successfully challenges Dowman, who had been advancing down the right.
27 min: Booking
Manning fouls Dowman, receiving a yellow card and facing suspension for the semi-final if Southampton progress.
26 min: Missed Chance
Martinelli cuts back for Odegaard in space but Odegaard miscues his shot, sending the ball harmlessly out for a goal kick.
25 min: Arsenal Shot Saved
Odegaard shoots from the edge of the box; Peretz parries the ball away from danger.
24 min: Southampton Attack Blocked
Southampton probe patiently; Dowman’s shot is blocked immediately.
23 min: Corner Awarded
Odegaard passes to White, who claims his cross was deflected out by Scienza’s elbow. No penalty is given, but a corner is awarded.
22 min: Southampton Defensive Play
Martinelli nearly escapes Bree down the left, but Bree maintains close marking and eventually wins the ball.
20 min: Physical Battle
Stewart chases a long ball; Mosquera passes back to his keeper but must exert effort to hold off the striker.
18 min: Southampton Counter
Gabriel misjudges a header, allowing Scienza to advance. Scienza attempts to round Kepa but is denied by Mosquera’s intervention.
17 min: Arsenal Shot
Jesus curls a shot towards the top right corner, narrowly missing. Peretz reacts quickly to guide the ball around the post.
15 min: Attacking Play
Scienza and Stewart combine down the left, nearly creating a chance. Arsenal respond with Martinelli winning a corner after a dribble.
13 min: Southampton Counter
Dowman crosses from the right; Southampton clear. Stewart advances on the right but is stopped by Gabriel. A crossfield ball to Azaz is mishandled, but Southampton remain dangerous on counters.
11 min: Arsenal Pressure
Two corners occur in quick succession; Peretz claims the second. Arsenal’s sustained pressure subsides.
10 min: Arsenal Attack
Odegaard takes a corner, worked back to White, who passes infield. Martinelli shoots towards the top-left corner, but Harwood-Bellis heads the ball over the bar, preventing a goal.
9 min: Southampton Defense
Martinelli cuts inside and shoots, but Bree blocks the attempt, resulting in a corner.
7 min: Southampton Attack
Stewart advances down the left and passes to Bragg, who attempts a shot from 25 yards but misplaces a pass intended for Fellows. Southampton look promising in attack.
6 min: Early Chance
Dowman dribbles inside and shoots, but Peretz saves comfortably.
5 min: Early Incident
Ben White receives boos from the crowd during his first touch.
3 min: Penalty Claim Denied
Scienza advances down the left and attempts to cut inside but falls under Gabriel’s challenge, claiming a penalty. The referee dismisses the appeal.
1 min: Early Southampton Pressure
Fellows breaks into space but is stopped by Lewis-Skelly. Southampton assert early intent.
Kickoff
Arsenal start the match amid strong support from the St Mary’s crowd.
Team Lineups and Pre-Match Notes
The teams enter the pitch: Southampton in yellow and blue, Arsenal in red and white. Pyrotechnics create smoke that clears before kickoff.
Mikel Arteta speaks to TNT Sports: “The boys really wanted to play immediately after the [Carabao Cup] final … today we have another opportunity … that is the beauty of football … we are looking forward to it … you have to adapt … full trust in the team … it is great to have [Martin Odegaard] back … [Kepa] deserves to play … he has been exceptional … [Southampton] are in a great run … we are desperate to go back to Wembley.”
Historical anecdotes about Southampton’s 1976 FA Cup win are shared, including fans’ memories and celebrations.
Southampton’s 33-year-old manager Tonda Eckert comments to TNT Sports: “It is a big game for us … we had the whole week to prepare … we are up for it … we are confident that we have found some ways to bring our game onto the pitch … [Arsenal] is a good team … a lot of quality … not easy to press them … we need to stay switched on … to suffer some moments … to be brave … have the courage to play … find some moments on the ball … make it an open game.”
Arsenal wear their first-choice red and white kit, while Southampton don a commemorative yellow and blue kit marking the 50th anniversary of their 1976 FA Cup victory. The shirts feature signatures of the cup-winning team, with 1,976 numbered replicas produced. Fans are encouraged to wear the retro colors.
Southampton make five changes following their 2-0 Championship win over Oxford United, introducing Nathan Wood, Cam Bragg, Caspar Jander, Léo Scienza, and Ross Stewart. Cameron Archer, Shea Charles, and Cyle Larin are on the bench; Flynn Downes and captain Jack Stephens are absent.
Arsenal make seven changes after the Carabao Cup final. Notably, 16-year-old Max Dowman starts. Cristhian Mosquera, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Christian Nørgaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and captain Martin Ødegaard also feature. William Saliba, Viktor Gyökeres, and Martín Zubimendi are on the bench. Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Piero Hincapié, and Leandro Trossard are absent.
Lineups
Southampton: Peretz, Bree, Harwood-Bellis, Wood-Gordon, Manning, Bragg, Jander, Fellows, Azaz, Scienza, Stewart.
Subs: Long, Quarshie, Romeu, Charles, Edozie, Robinson, Archer, Oyekunle, Larin.
Arsenal: Arrizabalaga, White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly, Odegaard, Norgaard, Dowman, Havertz, Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus.
Subs: Raya, Saliba, Gyokeres, Madueke, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Harriman-Annous, O’Neill, Salmon.
Referee: Sam Barrott (West Yorkshire).
Pre-Match Analysis
Despite Arsenal’s recent League Cup final absence, they have been formidable this season, with only Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Manchester United managing late victories against them in the Premier League. Arsenal have a strong FA Cup record against lower-division teams, winning 45 of their last 48 ties, including 14 of their last 16 quarter-finals. Southampton have lost their last five quarter-finals against top-flight opposition, and Arsenal hold a favorable record against Southampton in the FA Cup, including a 2003 final win.
However, Southampton won the last FA Cup meeting between the sides 1-0 in January 2021. Southampton are currently unbeaten in 14 games, winning six of their last seven, while Arsenal’s recent win at St Mary’s was only their seventh in 18 visits. The venue has seen Arsenal lose six times.
While Arsenal are favorites as Premier League leaders chasing multiple trophies, the unpredictable nature of the FA Cup and Arsenal’s upcoming crucial match against Sporting Club add uncertainty to the outcome. The match kicks off at 8pm BST.
