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Southampton showed Arsenal; the cup holder the way out of the FA Cup with a solitary goal. Arsenal is still trying to pick the pieces together and this would be a massive set back after the impressive run they have had of recent. This would also be Southampton's first win against Arsenal and with this victory, they would be taking on Wolverhampton Wanderers in the next round.
Arsenal did their bit but it was just not enough to get them through on the day and Ward Prowse was a constant menace to Arsenal.
He had a brilliant corner kick that was about to go in directly. The brilliance of the goalkeeper to stay alert helped as it knocked off the upper crossbar for another corner kick.
William had a perfect ball in from the right-hand side and the defence line for Southampton failed to clear it properly. The Ball fell to Cedric and he blasted his effort over.
Cedric was dispossessed by Walker-Peters and he surged forward only to find Adams. Adams did brilliantly to beat his marker and took a low drive shot that Leno expertly saved.
Ward Prowse was at the heart of it again when he found Walker-Peters in the 24th minute. Walker-Peters tried to find space and he attempted a low drive ball, hoping to flash across the goal in hope that someone would tap in. His effort forced a deflection from Gabriel and he scored in his own net.
Southampton took charge and was contented with soaking up the pressure from Arsenal while launching counter-attacks. Ward Prowse tried an ambitious strike after the goal but his effort flashed wide.
Forster launched a brilliant ball to Danny Ings that played him through on goal only for his effort to hit the bar and it was a huge relief to Leno who was beaten but the post came to his rescue. It was shortly after that he was ruled for offside.
Bednarek saved impressively via a deflection when Nketiah almost drew Arsenal level. Arsenal had few chances to draw level but they kept on wasting their chances. Rob Holding also had a lovely chance in the box and he could only fire over the bar. He beat the goalkeeper and also beat the post. He should have done better especially when you find yourself in that kind of space and at such a time as that.
Arsenal continued pressing and Pepe fluffed his lines when he was trying to round the goalkeeper when played through. The ball eventually fell to Nketiah who had his efforts saved on the line. It was a huge relief for Southampton only for Nketiah's initial attempt to be ruled for offside.
I wonder why they allowed gameplay to continue after an obvious offside. I would understand if VAR is being used but the VAR is not in play so why wait?
Bertrand also drew a foul at the edge of the box and Ward Prowse took it. It came to Ings but the goalkeeper saved. Southampton couldn't add to their tally on the night. Nketiah had a half-chance very late into the game but his attempt went off.
Southampton felt relieved as the referee blew the final whistle and advanced to the next round. The holders have been knocked out in the fourth round and now they can focus on the League and try to move up the table.
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