By Oyinlola Awonuga Balogun (The New Diplomat’s Entertainment, Fashion and Sports Desk)
Gabriel own goal saw Southampton beat champions Arsenal 1-0 and book their spot in the FA Cup fifth round.
Southampton have now beaten Arsenal in the FA Cup for the very first time, having drawn one and lost four of their previous five matches against the Gunners in the competition!
Southampton were immediately on the front foot as Danny Ings’ fourth-minute shot was deflected behind. James Ward-Prowse took the corner which skimmed the crossbar before the Gunners cleared.
In the 15th minute former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott found Che Adams who left Gabriel for dead and forced Gunners keeper Bernd Leno into a smart save.
It seemed only a matter of time before the deadlock was broken and Southampton took the lead on 24 minutes through Kyle Walker-Peters whose shot across the six-yard box deflected off Gabriel.
Arsenal’s best move of the first period came on 37 minutes but Pepe’s final ball to Cedric Soares was too strong.
Arsenal looked to up the tempo early in the second half, however, Ings found himself through on goal and struck his effort against the post. It trickled behind off Leno before the flag eventually went up for offside.
Saints continued to boss proceedings and Ward-Prowse slashed over the bar from close range when he should have done better.
Just before the hour mark Bukayo Saka and Thomas Partey replaced Gabriel Martinelli and Mohamed Elneny. The double change seemed to give Arsenal a lift as they began to see more possession.
Rob Holding shot over the bar on 60 minutes when he needed more composure and Partey did the same four minutes later.
The game began to open up as the half progressed and Walcott fluffed his lines from close range after an excellent Southampton build up.
Arsenal were almost level on 68 minutes but Forster’s boot deflected Nketiah’s flick behind for a corner.
Arsenal made a third Change with Alexandre Lacazette replacing Hector Bellerin on 73 minutes, with the away side sensing an equaliser.
Bertrand’s foul on Pepe gave Arsenal a great chance late on but the Frenchman’s delivery of the free-kick was woeful.
A late Southampton penalty appeal was waved away by the referee and VAR as substitute Shane Long tumbled over Holding’s leg.
