Credit: Imago

Arsenal player ratings vs Southampton: Max Dowman stars, Ben White exposed

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

04 Apr 2026, 4:27 pm

Arsenal and Mikel Arteta were stunned by Championship side Southampton in a true FA Cup upset at St Mary's Stadium.

Viktor Gyokeres has pulled the Gunners level after Ross Stewart's opener on Saturday, 4 April, and all signs pointed towards the game going to extra time on the south coast.

Shea Charles had other ideas, however, firing home five minutes from the end of normal time, with the entire stadium exploding into jubilation, beating the current Premier League leaders.

Arsenal next face Sporting CP, with the Champions League title in full focus, but Arteta and his players will be massively disappointed after being knocked out of the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Our FA Cup journey ends here.

Attentions turn to Sporting CP on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/kZAlBtdr4P
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 4, 2026

Mikel Arteta right to put his trust in Max Dowman

Max Dowman's playing time had already been limited this season, but after the teenager picked up an injury, supporters have been patiently waiting to see more of him.

The 16-year-old netted a superb goal against Everton before the international break, which was clearly enough to persuade Arteta to give him some valuable minutes in a key FA Cup clash.

He was one of the brightest players on the pitch, and his fearlessness worked in his favour, being able to continue picking up the ball and running at the Saints' defence.

Ben White could be finished at Arsenal

Ben White was tormented by Leo Scienza for most of the night, with the full-back failing to make a simple header away before Stewart fired home the opener at St Mary's Stadium.

Ben White vs Southampton	Stats [FotMob]
Minutes played	90
Touches	70
Passing accuracy	89% (55/62)
Chances created	3
Accurate crosses	33% (1/3)
Ground duels won	0% (0/6)
Fouls	5

Newcastle United are the latest club interested in White, with fans expecting the defender to be sold once the summer rolls around, and his performance on the south coast will do little to save him.