The most recent competitive meeting between Arsenal and Southampton took place on April 4, 2026, in the FA Cup Quarter-Final. In a stunning upset at St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton defeated Arsenal –1, with goals from Ross Stewart and a late winner from substitute Shea Charles. Despite a second-half equalizer from Viktor Gyökeres, the Premier League leaders were unable to overcome the Championship side’s defensive resilience, ending the Gunners’ 14-time title-winning run in the competition.
This guide provides a deep dive into the historical rivalry, recent match analysis, and essential fan information for those following these two historic clubs. Whether you are looking for head-to-head statistics, ticket pricing at the Emirates and St Mary’s, or the latest team news for the 2025/2026 season, you will find authoritative and up-to-date details below.
2026 FA Cup Match Analysis
The FA Cup quarter-final on April 4, 2026, saw Southampton stun the football world by knocking out Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal. Ross Stewart opened the scoring in the 34th minute after a precise chip from James Bree, giving the Saints a 1-0 lead going into the interval.
Arsenal responded with tactical substitutions in the second half, introducing Viktor Gyökeres, who equalized in the 67th minute after being set up by Kai Havertz. However, the defining moment came in the 84th minute when Shea Charles slotted home the winner, sending Southampton to Wembley for the semi-finals.
Arsenal vs Southampton Head-to-Head
Historically, Arsenal holds the advantage in this matchup, having won 55 of the 109 total meetings across all competitions. Southampton has secured 24 victories, while 30 matches have ended in draws, highlighting the Saints’ reputation as a “bogey team” for the Gunners in cup competitions.
In the Premier League specifically, Arsenal remains unbeaten at the Emirates against Southampton, a record dating back to the stadium’s opening in 2006. However, St Mary’s has proven to be a difficult ground for the North London side, as evidenced by their recent 2-1 defeat and previous losses in 2022 and 2021.
Head‑to‑head record
Arsenal vs Southampton games add up to over 100 fixtures in total across league and cup competitions. Historical aggregates show Arsenal with slightly more than half of the wins, Southampton with roughly a quarter, and the rest ending in draws.
In more recent tallies, sample sets of around 28–32 meetings typically show Arsenal winning about 13–15 times, Southampton winning about 7–9 times, and 8–10 draws, which aligns with the long‑term dominance trend. Arsenal also tend to edge the goal‑difference numbers, often scoring in the region of 1.7–1.8 goals per game against Southampton while conceding closer to 1.0–1.1 on average.
Big‑match milestones
Arsenal vs Southampton encounters have produced several high‑scoring and dramatic contests, especially in the Premier League era. One of the most famous clashes is a 6–3 home‑league match at the Emirates, where Arsenal’s attacking firepower and a Theo Walcott goal highlighted the kind of firepower the Gunners can sometimes bring.
Southampton’s 1–0 win at St Mary’s in April 2022 is another standout, symbolizing a period when the Saints disrupted Arsenal’s title‑chasing momentum with a compact, disciplined defensive shape. These games illustrate how the tie can swing between one‑sided top‑flight dominance and tightly contested, low‑score encounters where the underdog capitalizes on a single goal or a set‑piece opportunity.
Recent Arsenal vs Southampton matches
Recent years have seen Arsenal vs Southampton clashes in both Premier League fixtures and domestic cups, with outcomes shifting between routine Gunners wins and surprise Southampton victories. In the 2024–25 Premier League season, Arsenal won 2–1 at St Mary’s on the final day, with a late Martin Ødegaard goal sealing the win in a match that ended 2–1 to the visitors.
In that same fixture, Arsenal enjoyed higher possession and more shots on goal, reflecting their typical attacking control, but Southampton’s compact block and occasional counter‑attacks kept the game competitive. Earlier in the 2024 campaign Arsenal had ended a brief losing streak against Southampton with a 3–1 home win at the Emirates, coming from behind to secure all three points.
2025–26 FA Cup quarter‑final upset
A major recent Arsenal vs Southampton match came in the 2025–26 FA Cup quarter‑finals, when Southampton—then in the Championship—hosted Premier League‑leading Arsenal at St Mary’s. The tie ended 2–1 to Southampton, with Scottish forward Ross Stewart opening the scoring in the first half and substitute Shea Charles firing home the late winner deep into stoppage time.
This result was especially significant because it ousted the top‑flight leaders from the FA Cup and sent Saints to Wembley for the semi‑final, underlining how cup‑football fixtures between the two sides can level the playing field and create giant‑killing moments. For fans, it reinforced the idea that any Arsenal vs Southampton cup tie, especially when the Saints are lower‑division, should be treated as a genuine contest rather than a straightforward win for the Gunners.
Key players and scorers
Across the Arsenal vs Southampton rivalry, a small group of players have emerged as standout names in the fixture. For Arsenal, Ian Wright is the all‑time highest‑documented scorer against Southampton, with 11 goals to his name, while Robert Pires, Dennis Bergkamp, and John Radford also sit near the top with seven goals each.
On the Saints’ side, various attacking players have left their mark on the fixture, including those who have scored decisive goals in close games or in high‑profile cup ties. These individual records highlight how Arsenal’s attacking talent has usually dictated the run of play, but Southampton’s moments of magic often come from a single decisive striker or a well‑taken set‑piece.
Tactical battles: how the game usually plays
When Arsenal vs Southampton lines up, the typical pattern is one of Arsenal controlling possession and pressing high, while Southampton sit deeper and look to exploit pace and set‑piece opportunities. In Premier League meetings, Arsenal often hold over 60% possession and generate more shots, yet Southampton can stay in the game by staying compact and avoiding defensive errors.
Southampton’s best results tend to coincide with a disciplined 4–2–3–1 or 4–3–3 structure that prioritizes defensive solidity over attacking flair, allowing them to absorb pressure and then go direct. Arsenal, by contrast, rely on quick one‑touches, overlapping full‑backs, and creative midfielders to unlock that low defensive block, which can sometimes lead to frustrating, tight games if the Saints’ back line holds firm.
Influence of managers
The outcome of Arsenal vs Southampton has often been shaped by managerial choices, especially around pressing intensity, defensive shape, and how attacking transitions are managed. Arteta‑era Arsenal matches have shown a preference for high‑block pressing and quick vertical transitions, meaning Southampton frequently face waves of attacks in the first half before being tested by counters if they win the ball.
Earlier chapters of the rivalry featured different tactical approaches, from more direct 4–4–2 systems to more possession‑based 4–3–3 setups, but the underlying theme remains the same: Arsenal tend to be the more aggressive, attacking‑minded side, while Southampton look to manage space and exploit any lapses in concentration. This contrast in styles is what often defines whether an Arsenal vs Southampton game is an open, high‑score thriller or a tense, low‑score grind.
Where and when the fixture is held
Arsenal vs Southampton games alternate between the Emirates Stadium in northLondon and St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton, depending on whether it is a home or away fixture. The Emirates typically hosts the Gunners’ home leg of the fixture, while St Mary’s does the same for the Saints’ home leg, with both grounds regularly sold out or close to it for league fixtures.
In the Premier League, these matches are usually scheduled between August and May, with kick‑off times commonly falling in the mid‑afternoon or early evening to suit domestic‑broadcast windows. Cup‑round ties, such as the FA Cup quarter‑final in April 2026, can be played on weekends or weekday evenings, depending on the competition’s fixture calendar and broadcast arrangements.
Ticketing and venue logistics
Tickets for Arsenal vs Southampton matches at the Emirates are generally sold through Arsenal’s official ticketing channels, with prices varying by stand and seating category. Typical general‑view seats in the lower tiers start in the mid‑tens of pounds, while premium seats closer to the pitch or in hospitality areas can run into the hundreds of pounds per ticket.
Likewise, tickets for Arsenal vs Southampton at St Mary’s are sold via Southampton’s official website and partner outlets, with similar pricing bands based on location in the ground. For both venues, booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially if the fixture falls around a busy period such as the end of the season or a cup‑round tie, when demand spikes.
How to get there
For Arsenal vs Southampton at the Emirates Stadium, the easiest public‑transport options are the London Underground (Piccadilly Line to Arsenal station) and various bus routes that serve the Holloway and Islington areas. The stadium is within walking distance of the tube stop, and match‑day traffic management usually includes extra rail services and bus frequency.
For Arsenal vs Southampton at St Mary’s in Southampton, the main rail hub is Southampton Central Station, which is connected to local bus routes and occasionally to special match‑day shuttle services on big‑ticket days. The stadium is located a short journey from the city center, so fans coming by car are advised to use designated match‑day parking or park‑and‑ride schemes to avoid congestion and long waits.
What fans can expect on match day
On match day, an Arsenal vs Southampton fixture at the Emirates tends to feel high‑energy, with large, vocal crowds and a strong emphasis on attacking football. The atmosphere is often amplified by the club’s modern fan‑experience facilities, including food‑and‑drink options, family zones, and digital‑screen displays that keep fans updated throughout the game.
At St Mary’s, the ambiance is more intimate but still passionate, with a tightly packed home stand and a strong local following that creates a noisy backdrop for visiting Arsenal fans. Both venues enforce strict security and stewarding protocols, meaning visitors should arrive early, follow staff instructions, and be aware of any restrictions on banners, flags, or supporter displays.
Recent form and current form dynamics
Recent form data for Arsenal vs Southampton shows the Gunners enjoying a strong run of results against the Saints, including consecutive wins in the Premier League leading into the mid‑2020s. Over roughly a decade‑long stretch, Arsenal carried an unbeaten run of 14 matches against Southampton in all competitions, a streak that only ended with a later FA Cup defeat.
Southampton, on the other hand, have had periods where they have been more competitive, especially when they were performing well in the top flight or when they were using a more pragmatic, defensively‑oriented approach. This fluctuation in form means that even though Arsenal are frequent favorites, unusually poor Gunners runs or well‑organized Saints sides can flip the expected outcome in a given Arsenal vs Southampton fixture.
Style differences and tactical takeaways
One key takeaway from Arsenal vs Southampton is how the two clubs embody different football‑style philosophies within the same league system. Arsenal traditionally lean toward a possession‑based, high‑pressing game with an emphasis on short, intricate passing and positional rotations between midfield and attack.
Southampton, by contrast, often adopt a more pragmatic, low‑block approach, prioritizing defensive security and counter‑attacks, especially when they are the underdogs. This clash of styles is what makes Arsenal vs Southampton such a tactically interesting tie: it becomes a test of whether Arsenal can break down a compact defense or whether Southampton can sit deep, absorb pressure, and punish a single mistake.
Moments that define the rivalry
Beyond the raw statistics, Arsenal vs Southampton has been shaped by several defining moments that both sets of fans remember. The mid‑2020s sequence of Arsenal ending a winless‑streak with a 3–1 Emirates win, followed by a 2–1 away victory at St Mary’s that sealed a strong league finish, became emblematic of a dominant Gunners phase.
In contrast, Southampton’s 1–0 win at St Mary’s in 2022 and the 2–1 FA Cup quarter‑final upset in 2026 stand out as the kinds of results that Southampton supporters can point to as proof they can outplay Arsenal in the right circumstances. These moments give the fixture its emotional edge, turning an otherwise straightforward head‑to‑head record into a rivalry with genuine narrative stakes.
How to watch Arsenal vs Southampton
For fans unable to attend in person, Arsenal vs Southampton matches are typically broadcast live on major domestic and international TV platforms. In the UK, many Premier League fixtures are covered by the main broadcasters, while cup matches may switch to different networks depending on the round and rights deals.
Outside the UK, the game is often streamed or shown by local sports‑broadcast partners or via global streaming platforms that hold rights to Premier League or FA Cup football. Where available, live‑streaming options can include official club‑branded apps or subscription‑based services, so fans should check their local providers or the clubs’ official websites for the most accurate broadcast details.
Kick‑off times and broadcast windows
Arsenal vs Southampton Premier League fixtures are usually scheduled for mid‑week evenings or weekend afternoons, with the most common times falling between 15:00 and 20:00 local time. These times are chosen to maximize domestic‑television audiences and to fit within the broader Premier League broadcast schedule.
Cup‑round ties such as the FA Cup or EFL Cup can have slightly different kick‑off times, sometimes shifting to earlier or later slots to accommodate broadcasting packages and, occasionally, to avoid clashes with other major events. Fans planning to watch live should always doublecheck the latest fixture listing on the clubs’ or competition websites, as dates and times can change due to TV commitments or other scheduling factors.
Practical information and planning
If you are planning to attend an Arsenal vs Southampton match, whether at the Emirates or St Mary’s, it is important to understand ticket availability, costs, and venue logistics. Tickets for both clubs are usually released in tiers, with early‑purchasers often getting better price points and access to prime seating, while late buyers may face higher prices or lower‑priority sections.
Travel planning is another key factor, especially if you are coming from a different city or country. For London‑based Emirates fixtures, fans should factor in additional journey time due to higher metro traffic and potential congestion around the stadium on match day. Similarly, for Southampton, visitors should check regional train and road‑traffic updates, as match‑day routes can be busy.
What to expect on arrival
On arrival at the Emirates or St Mary’s, expect elevated security checks, including bag inspections and metal‑detector screenings, which are standard for large‑stadium football events. Supporter groups are usually separated into designated areas, and away fans are typically placed in specific stands or seating blocks to maintain order.
Inside the stadium, Arsenal vs Southampton games are usually played under full‑stadium lights in the evening or natural daylight during afternoon fixtures, with big screens and audio‑visual systems providing replays and updates. Fans should follow stewards’ instructions regarding standing, chanting, and the use of flags or banners, as both clubs have strict codes of conduct to ensure safety and a positive atmosphere.
Seasonal and timely context
Arsenal vs Southampton fixtures scheduled in the final months of the season often carry extra weight, especially if Arsenal are in a title race or Champions League‑qualifying battle. Matches in April and May can feel like high‑pressure tests of Arsenal’s ability to grind out results against a typically more modest‑budget Saints side.
In contrast, earlier‑season meetings may be more about form‑finding and tactical experimentation, with both managers using the fixture as a benchmark to assess how their squads handle top‑tier opposition or lower‑division resistance. Cup‑round fixtures, particularly FA Cup ties, add another layer of drama because they can either end Arsenal’s cup hopes or provide Southampton.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the last Arsenal vs Southampton match?
Southampton won the most recent meeting 2–1 on April 4, 2026, in the FA Cup Quarter-Final. Goals from Ross Stewart and Shea Charles secured the victory for the Championship side against the Premier League leaders.
What league are both teams playing in for the 2025/2026 season?
Arsenal is currently competing in the Premier League, where they sit at the top of the table as of April 2026. Southampton is playing in the EFL Championship following their relegation from the top flight in 2025.
What is the head-to-head record between Arsenal and Southampton?
The two clubs have met 109 times in all competitions. Arsenal has the advantage with 55 wins, Southampton has 24 wins, and there have been 30 draws.
How many goals has Ross Stewart scored against Arsenal recently?
Ross Stewart has become a significant threat in this fixture, scoring in the last two meetings: once in the 2–1 loss in May 2025 and again in the 2–1 victory in April 2026.
Will there be another Arsenal vs Southampton match in 2026?
Because the teams are in different divisions, they are not scheduled to meet again in the 2025/26 league season. Any future 2026 meeting would depend on the 2026/27 domestic cup draws (EFL Cup or FA Cup) in late 2026.
Where is the next major match for Southampton?
Following their win over Arsenal, Southampton progressed to the FA Cup Semi-Final, where they are scheduled to play Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on April 25, 2026.
Final Thoughts
The competitive landscape between Arsenal and Southampton has reached a fever pitch following one of the most significant upsets in the clubs’ shared history. The latest meeting on April 4, 2026, saw a resilient Southampton side eliminate the Gunners from the FA Cup Quarter-Finals with a 2–1 victory at St Mary’s Stadium. Goals from Ross Stewart and a dramatic 84th-minute winner by Shea Charles outweighed Viktor Gyökeres’ equalizer, marking a definitive “giant-killing” moment in the 2025/2026 domestic season.
While Arsenal historically dominates the head-to-head record with 55 wins to Southampton’s 24, recent results suggest that the “bogey team” tag remains firmly attached to the Saints. For fans and analysts, the fixture has evolved from a predictable top-flight clash into a high-stakes tactical battle where league standings often take a back seat to sheer knockout intensity.
To Read More: Manchester Independent