Why transformed Southampton will be no pushovers for injury-hit Arsenal in FA Cup

Why transformed Southampton will be no pushovers for injury-hit Arsenal in FA CupSouthampton come into their FA Cup clash with Arsenal on a 14-game unbeaten streak following a transformative January transfer window, which saw Cyle Larin and Daniel Peretz arriveCommentsSportopinionFelix Keith Senior Sports Reporter07:30, 04 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesCyle Larin has made a huge difference for Southampton(Image: Robin Jones/Getty Images)It's fair to say that there was some scepticism among the Southampton fanbase in the January transfer window. Owners Sport Republic don't have much credit in the bank when it comes to transfers, and their decisions mid-season were always likely to define the 2025/26 season.‌The initial bounce after Tonda Eckert replaced Will Still as manager had faded. The season was drifting and fresh impetus was needed. So the decision to sell top goalscorer Adam Armstrong to Wolves appeared to be a major gamble. Especially when the man brought in to replace him had managed just one goal in 15 appearances.‌But reflecting a few months down the line, as Saints prepare to host Premier League leaders Arsenal in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, things could hardly have gone any better.‌Cyle Larin, the striker signed on an initial loan from Mallorca, has four goals in 11 appearances. And what's more, he's provided the focal point Eckert's side had sorely lacked with the diminutive Armstrong leading the line.FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news and more on our dedicated Facebook pageREAD MORE: 14 players could miss Southampton vs Arsenal FA Cup clash after injury updates givenREAD MORE: Mikel Arteta gives Arsenal injury update after 'suspicious' England withdrawalsSouthampton have climbed the Championship table, rising from mid-table obscurity to the midst of the play-off race. They are 14 games unbeaten and brimming with confidence, to the extent that the fans arriving at St Mary's Stadium on Saturday night will...