FA Cup Roundup: Southampton Stun Arsenal As Haaland Fires Man City Into Semifinals

‎The FA Cup quarterfinals delivered one of the most dramatic weekends in recent memory, producing seismic upsets, statement wins and a semifinal lineup loaded with storylines.

‎Below is a full breakdown of the weekend’s action and the newly confirmed semifinal pairings.

‎Southampton Delivers a Historic Upset Against Arsenal

‎Second-tier Southampton shocked the football world by eliminating Premier League leaders Arsenal with a stunning 2-1 victory at St. Mary’s.

‎Despite Arsenal still competing for a rare quadruple earlier in the season, their trophy hopes took another major hit just weeks after losing the League Cup final to City.

‎Manager Mikel Arteta opted for a rotated lineup, and the decision unraveled quickly. Ross Stewart opened the scoring for Southampton in the 35th minute, punishing Arsenal’s sluggish start.

‎Substitute Viktor Gyökeres equalised midway through the second half, but the hosts continued to threaten in transition. Their persistence paid off when Shea Charles formerly of City’s academy fired home the winner in the 85th minute.

‎Adding to Arsenal’s troubles, defender Gabriel Magalhaes limped off with a knee injury, creating fresh concerns ahead of their Champions League clash with Sporting Lisbon.

‎Haaland’s Hat Trick Propels Manchester City Into Another Semifinal

‎While Arsenal stumbled, Manchester City reinforced their dominance with an emphatic 4-0 demolition of Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium.

‎The match belonged to Erling Haaland, who delivered an 18-minute hat trick his first of the season and the 12th since joining the club in 2022.

‎Haaland opened the scoring from the penalty spot following a foul by Virgil van Dijk, then headed in a cross from Antoine Semenyo before smashing in his third via the crossbar.

‎Semenyo added City’s other goal, securing a place in the semifinals for a record eighth consecutive season.

‎Liverpool’s misery deepened when Mohamed Salah, currently on a farewell run after announcing his exit, saw his penalty saved by City keeper James Trafford.

‎Many Liverpool fans had already begun streaming out after City’s fourth goal an image that captured the night’s one-sided narrative.

‎The win also marked City’s record-breaking 18th straight home FA Cup victory.

‎Chelsea Cruise Past Port Vale in Seven-Goal Rout

‎It may not have carried the shock value of Southampton’s triumph, but Chelsea delivered an expected and ruthless 7-0 win over League One side Port Vale. Despite the absence of suspended midfielder Enzo Fernández, the Blues demonstrated their attacking depth.

‎Goals came from Jorrel Hato, João Pedro, Tosin Adarabioyo, Andrey Santos, Estevão, Alejandro Garnacho, and an own goal, with six different scorers showcasing the breadth of Chelsea’s squad.

‎The victory pushes Chelsea closer to what they hope will be their ninth FA Cup title, having last lifted the trophy in 2018.

‎Leeds Advance After Penalty Drama vs West Ham

‎The quarterfinal action concluded with Leeds United sealing a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout win over West Ham United after a 2-2 draw. For Leeds, this marks their first FA Cup semifinal appearance in 39 years a major milestone for a club rebuilding its competitive identity.

‎Their lone FA Cup triumph came in 1972, adding an underdog charm to their current campaign.

‎Official 2025–26 FA Cup Semifinal Draw

‎Following a dramatic quarterfinal weekend, the semifinal matchups are now confirmed:

‎Manchester City vs Southampton

‎A rematch infused with contrasting narratives City chasing another domestic double, Southampton daring to keep their dream run alive. The Saints have only one FA Cup title the famous 1976 victory over Manchester United and now face the tournament’s most formidable force.

‎Chelsea vs Leeds United

‎A classic English rivalry in a high-stakes setting. Chelsea enters as strong favourites, but Leeds carries momentum, history, and a fearless approach after breaking their decades-long semifinal drought.