Second tier Southampton knock Arsenal out of FA Cup

Arsenal suffered a shock FA Cup quarter-final exit as the Premier League leaders crashed to an embarrassing 2-1 defeat against second tier Southampton on Saturday.

Arsenal were stunned by Shea Charles’ late winner in a memorable quarter-final giant-killing at St Mary’s.

Ross Stewart put Southampton ahead in the first-half and Viktor Gyokeres’ equaliser couldn’t save Arsenal from only their fifth loss in all competitions this season.

After losing the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City before the international break, the Gunners have squandered another chance to end their six-year trophy drought.

Arsenal are still firm favourites to win the Premier League for the first time since 2004 thanks to their nine-point lead over second-placed City.

That remains their primary target after three successive runners-up finishes in the top-flight, with the domestic cups lower down their list of priorities.

But manager Mikel Arteta will be concerned about Arsenal’s sudden wobble, given their habit of choking away strong positions in the title race in recent years.

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The withdrawals of 11 Arsenal players from international duty due to apparent injuries over the last two weeks had raised pointed questions about whether they had put the club ahead of their countries.

Arsenal’s England stars Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice remained absent, while Arteta started with Gyokeres, William Saliba, and Martin Zubimendi on the bench.

The north Londoners need to get back on track quickly, starting with their trip to Sporting Lisbon for the Champions League quarter-final first-leg on Tuesday.

While Arsenal lick their wounds, Southampton celebrated one of the greatest results in their history.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are into the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley after thrashing League One bottom club Port Vale 7-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.