By David Awopetu
Southampton hold firm to knock out Mikel Arteta’s FA Cup holders in the fourth round after defender Gabriel deflected Kyle Walker-Peters’ cross in for freak own goal at St Mary’s
It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded in 508 minutes as they suffered a first loss in seven matches.
It means there will be no miracle FA Cup trophy for Arsenal to rescue their season as the holders surrendered their title meekly to a committed Southampton side.
Ralph Hassenhuttl was rewarded with fielding a near full strength line up with a dominant first half display and a solid second half when Mikel Arteta sent on his best players in search of the equaliser.
Pierre Emerick Aubameyang had withdrawn for personal reasons but on came Alex Lacazette, Thomas Partey and Bukayo Saka as Arsenal probed yet without penetration.
Southampton will face another Premier League side, Wolves, in the next round.
With their next opponents enduring a poor run in the league and having struggled in their 1-0 win at non-league Chorley on Friday, the 1976 winners will fancy their chances of progressing further at Molineux.
The Saints also went close through Che Adams, whose low, angled strike was saved brilliantly by Bernd Leno, and James Ward-Prowse, who saw his delivery from a corner come off the bar.
In the second half, substitute striker Shane Long fell under a challenge in the box, but penalty appeals were waved away by referee Peter Bankes.
Arsenal were without forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and midfielder Emile Smith Rowe, while another in-form player, Bukayo Saka, was only introduced in the second half.
Mikel Arteta’s Gunners side were tepid as an attacking force during the first 45 minutes, but looked more of a threat after the break.
However, Eddie Nketiah’s deflected shot in the 67th minute, which was superbly dealt with by home goalkeeper Fraser Forster, was their only effort of note.
