Arsenal faced Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-final, and an error from White proved costly.
White’s Error Leads to Southampton Goal
White misjudged the flight of the ball, which sailed over his head. It dropped to Stewart on the penalty spot, who steered a shot into the bottom right. White looked embarrassed after the play.
White’s misery continued when he clumsily brought down Scienza, just to the left of the Arsenal box, giving away a free kick in a dangerous position. Earlier, White’s lax backpass nearly let Stewart in, but Kepa cleared the ball just in time.
Saints Attack with Promise
Fellows twisted and turned out on the right to make himself some space. However, the cross that followed was no good. Southampton continued to show promise whenever they got upfield.
Stewart hared after a long pass down the middle. Mosquera ushered the ball back to his keeper, but needed to strain.
Dowman’s Impact on the Right
Dowman advanced down the right only to be crudely clattered from behind by Manning, who received a booking and will miss the semi-final if Southampton progress. Dowman slalomed towards Manning, hoping to get the better of him down the right. Manning timed his challenge well this time, resulting in a goal kick.
Arsenal’s Chances
Havertz danced in from the right and aimed for the far corner. His shot took a deflection off Wood and looped towards the top left. Peretz was out of the game, but the ball missed the frame of the goal by inches.
Odegaard had a dig from the edge of the box, forcing Peretz to parry away from danger. Martinelli zipped down the left and cut back for Odegaard, in space ten yards out. Odegaard shaped to shoot, but kicked the ball against his standing leg, sending it harmlessly out for a goal kick.
Arsenal probed patiently, until Dowman took a shot that was blocked. Odegaard rolled a pass wide right for White, who claimed his cross was deflected out of play by Scienza’s elbow. The referee awarded a corner.
Martinelli very nearly spun clear of Bree down the left, but the Southampton full-back stole off with the ball.
Peretz Tested in Goal
Havertz shot low and hard towards the bottom right. Peretz blocked and turned the ball around the post, despite a yellow balloon floating nearby. The resulting corner was a non-event after Norgaard was penalised for pushing. Peretz then burst the balloon.
Bree’s delivery from a free kick was no good.
Both teams looked lively in attack during the FA Cup quarter-final.