Southampton secure place in FA Cup semi-finals with upset victory over Premier League frontrunners Arsenal

Mikel Arteta had nearly two weeks to reflect on the Carabao Cup final loss against Manchester City, turning his focus to a tournament that had provided the sole major trophy of his time in charge so far.

Aiming for a treble, Arsenal created two quick openings for Max Dowman and Gabriel Martinelli, though the latter's attempt was brilliantly stopped by Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

The Championship contenders showed no intention of rolling over easily, as Léo Scienza broke clear to face Kepa Arrizabalaga in a one-on-one situation, only for Cristhian Mosquera to guide him away from danger effectively.

Arsenal pushed to increase pressure, forcing Daniel Peretz to tip Martin Ødegaard's shot around the post. Soon after, Ødegaard wasted another opportunity, firing high over from close range, leaving Arteta visibly irritated on the sidelines.

His frustration would grow even more when Ross Stewart put Southampton in front with a sharp finish following a rapid break, as James Bree's pass sailed over Ben White, letting the Scottish forward slot past Kepa.

Dowman nearly levelled things when his shot was deflected by Ryan Manning, yet it was Arsenal's unusually careless defending that nearly cost them dearly again.

Gabriel's casual pass across the field fell to Tom Fellows, who unfortunately sent his effort over the bar. Scienza then nearly doubled Southampton's lead spectacularly, drifting in from the left flank before his right-foot shot struck the crossbar.

This close escape turned out to be pivotal, with replacement Viktor Gyökeres, who had just helped Sweden qualify for the FIFA World Cup by scoring against Poland, delivering as required by converting from Kai Havertz's low cross, set up by Gabriel's precise pass.

From there, most expected Arsenal to take control and claim the win, and Dowman eyed a decisive goal with a smart left-foot shot that Peretz pushed away for a corner.

Martinelli missed from the corner kick itself, but incredibly, Southampton hit back next, with Fellows surging forward before teeing up substitute Shea Charles, who slotted a composed effort past Kepa, grazing the post on its way in.

Following six tense added minutes that tested the home side's nerves, Tonda Eckert's team clung on for a memorable triumph and a semi-final berth.

The German joins George Goss from 1925 and Alan Pardew in 2009/10 as only the third Southampton boss to triumph in his opening four FA Cup matches. A Wembley visit awaits them now, while Arsenal miss out on another shot at silverware during a tough spell for Arteta's squad.