'Get ready' - Arsenal fans angry at Southampton's subtle FA Cup dig

Arsenal fans seek revenge against Southampton after the Saints’ admin took a cheeky dig at the Gunners by choosing a corner frame for the matchday preview graphic.

The much-awaited FA Cup tie between Southampton and Arsenal is just around the corner. While the growing injury lists of both clubs have added uncertainty to the build‑up, the Saints are determined to make this knockout an unforgettable affair.

Recently, Southampton took a cheeky dig at Arsenal while posting the match preview graphic for their FA Cup quarter‑final clash. The club admin chose an image of a player preparing to deliver a corner, as a subtle nod to the Gunners’ renowned set‑piece strength.

Arsenal’s success this season owes much to their dead‑ball prowess. From corners, they’ve won crucial points and established themselves as the most dangerous team in the league from such situations.

Unsurprisingly, Southampton’s corner‑themed dig at Arsenal has irked the visitors. The reaction has been so extreme that some supporters want Arsenal to teach the Saints a lesson for the perceived slight.

Arsenal fans express anger at Southampton’s cheeky dig

One Arsenal fan wrote: “Everyone seems to be working hard to avoid getting hurt from Arsenal. First it was Bayern Leverkusen, and they executed their plans perfectly, now Southampton on practice.”

The reference was to Bayer Leverkusen’s own cheeky social media dig before their Champions League tie with Arsenal in March.

Notably, Bayer Leverkusen admin posted a “No Corners allowed” graphic ahead of their 1st leg of the Round of 16 clash against Arsenal. The irony of the situation is that Bayer themselves scored their inaugural goal in the first leg from a corner delivery to rub salt in the wounds of Arsenal fans.

However, the Gunners ultimately had the last laugh as Arsenal knocked out Bayer Leverkusen comfortably with a 2-0 win in the second leg. Just as they punished the German side for their pre‑match banter, Arsenal fans now await revenge on Southampton.

Another Arsenal fan sounded extremely confident in his message to Southampton: “Get ready and ensure you lots enjoy your final bus stop in the competition.”

To be fair, Southampton have already exceeded expectations in this FA Cup campaign. As the only Championship side left in the competition, they’ve already secured their best run in the tournament in recent years.

If Southampton beat Arsenal, they will end the Gunners’ treble dream. If they lose, they get a clear focus on their Championship playoff race. Either way, this cheeky dig has made the FA Cup tie far more exciting, and Southampton can’t really lose in this contest.

Will Arsenal get their revenge on Southampton?

Even apart from the recent dig taken by Southampton, Arsenal fans hold a long grudge against the Saints. One Gunner reminded the Southampton fanbase, saying, “That 3-3 ..we’ve not forgotten.”

The 3-3 draw being mentioned here was Southampton restricting Arsenal to just one point during the Gunners’ Premier League title race. Effectively, this draw crashed Arsenal’s title dream in the 2022/23 season.

Notably, Arsenal entered the matchday against Southampton as the Premier League leaders. However, a 3-3 draw to the 20th-placed Southampton, followed by their loss to Man City, shifted the title race dynamic.

The Cityzens came out on top of the table with these results, while Arsenal slipped to the 2nd spot. This began the Gunners’ runner-up streak that has seen them finish as runners‑up for three consecutive Premier League seasons.

Ever since, Arsenal have been awaiting their revenge against Southampton, and this FA Cup tie offers them a crucial opportunity to settle the score.

While Arsenal are among Europe’s best sides, Southampton boast an impressive unbeaten run and a strong home record. In the last seven meetings at St. Mary’s, each side has won three, with one draw.

This tally itself speaks for a competitive game between Southampton and Arsenal when they meet at St. Mary’s. It remains to be seen if Arsenal get their revenge or Southampton improve their record over the Gunners.