Southampton 0-5 Arsenal as it happened: Danny Welbeck & Theo Walcott stun makeshift Saints ~ arsenal

ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger begins his four-game touchline ban at Southampton in the FA Cup today. Follow all the action LIVE with Express Sport.

SOUTHAMPTON 0-5 ARSENAL FULL TIME

15' Welbeck

22' Welbeck

35' Walcott

69' Walcott

84' Walcott

• Southampton Team: Lewis, Martina, Gardos, Stephens, McQueen, Reed, Clasie, Hojbjerg, Sims, Isgrove, Long.

• Arsenal Team: Ospina, Bellerin, Mustafi, Holding, Gibbs, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Maitland-Niles, Walcott, Rene-Adelaide, Lucas, Welbeck.

28.01.2017

19:43

Jamie Anderson

28.01.2017

THAT'S A WRAP,

Thanks for joining us this evening. I'll be returning tomorrow afternoon for LIVE coverage of the remainder of this weekend's FA Cup fixtures with Premier League trio Manchester United, Hull and Watford in action.

Night!
19:41

Jamie Anderson

ARSENE WENGER

I think it was good to watch because we had a good game and were very dangerous. We were in control, very explosive.

Danny Welbeck was very sharp because he has been working very hard. He comes back from a long way out and has gone through some very difficult moments mentally.

But his resilience was absolutely marvellous and he was rewarded tonight, so we are happy.

We were very dynamic, explosive and overall we had a good consistent performance over 90 minutes and everybody played well.

Welbeck has been out for such a long time, I didn't expect him to score straight away and it shows the desire is there.

People say I make changes but I bring in Walcott, Welbeck and Perez, all top quality players. After that I try to find the best balance for the team.
19:38

Jamie Anderson

Arsene Wenger is speaking to BT Sport now. Asked if he enjoyed the view, he responded that tons of goals look good from anywhere!

Full quotes to come shortly.
19:37

Jamie Anderson

DANNY WELBECK

I've had experience of coming back from injury before so you kind of know what to expect.

But it was good to finally be back on the pitch. It's been a horrible few months with the injury but to be back out there doing what I love and scoring goals, is great.
19:37

Jamie Anderson

THEO WALCOTT

Southampton tend to be our bogey side but from the word go we were ready.

We came out of the blocks running and Danny Welbeck came back with a bang. We created a lot of chances and it was nice to have the clean sheet.

Southampton will always be in my heart I have some great memories here, they are a strong team and I will cheer them on in the EFL Cup final.
19:34

Jamie Anderson

FT: SOUTHAMPTON 0 - 5 ARSENAL

Martin Keown on Southampton: "This is the only way to find out how good they are.

"Credit to Southampton, they blood their youngsters.

"You hope the cameras aren't here, that they aren't big occasions, but tonight it was.

"It backfired a bit but they've played 36 games this season, Arsenal 33.

"They have a depleted squad, nine injuries, I understand why Claude Puel played the team he did.

"He has to manage the minutes of these players carefully. He's got a small squad to work with."
19:28

Jamie Anderson

FT: SOUTHAMPTON 0 - 5 ARSENAL

Martin Keown: "We didn't talk too much at half-time about Jeff Reine-Adelaide and Ainsley Maitland-Niles, I thought they were excellent in there.

"On a night when there were six youngsters playing for Southampton, the stole the show.

"They had Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was pulling the strings in midfield.

"It was really an outstanding performance from Arsenal tonight."
19:26

Jamie Anderson
19:36

Jamie Anderson

FT: SOUTHAMPTON 0 - 5 ARSENAL

We've got all the post-match reaction coming your way folks.

Theo Walcott has grabbed the match ball and someone appears to have taken Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's top because he's shirtless in the freezing cold!
19:24

Jamie Anderson
19:22

Jamie Anderson

FT: SOUTHAMPTON 0 - 5 ARSENAL

It's all over folks. Arsenal cruise into the last-16 of the FA Cup... again!

Theo Walcott netted his fifth Arsenal hat-trick, Danny Welbeck bagged a brace and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain showed some flashes of brilliance.
19:20

Jamie Anderson

90: SOUTHAMPTON 0 - 5 ARSENAL

Alexis Sanchez is still buzzing around like a child at recess but he's too eager and fouls Cuco Martina.
19:19

Jamie Anderson

89: SOUTHAMPTON 0 - 5 ARSENAL

It should be six after Lucas Perez peeled away from his marker but goalkeeper Harry Lewis stayed big and blocked his rather lacklustre shot. A totally meaningless miss but Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is livid because he wanted the assist.

Another example of the attitude we want to see.
19:16

Jamie Anderson

87: SOUTHAMPTON 0 - 5 ARSENAL

Josh Sims, who's one of the only Southampton players to come out of this with any credit, shoots from distance, forcing a decent diving save from David Ospina. That's the attitude we like to see.
19:17

Jamie Anderson

84: SOUTHAMPTON 0 - 5 ARSENAL - WALCOTT (HAT-TRICK)

There's his hat-trick! Theo Walcott has moved from 96 to 99 professional goals with a decent finish after some excellent work from Alexis Sanchez.

The Chilean drew two defenders before squaring it across the box for Walcott to neatly tuck into the corner.

That's his fifth hat-trick for Arsenal and his first since May 2015.
19:11

Jamie Anderson

82: SOUTHAMPTON 0 - 4 ARSENAL

Alexis Sanchez makes an uncharacteristic mistake when losing control of the ball at the byline. He's my Fantasy Football captain so I'm mildly irked that he's even playing right now. Wrap him in cotton wool, Arsene!
19:06

Jamie Anderson

78: SOUTHAMPTON 0 - 4 ARSENAL

"Is this a library?" is the chant coming from Arsenal fans, and the answer is yes. The Southampton fans have been brought back down to earth with a bump and quite a few have already headed for the exit.

I don't blame them.
19:05

Jamie Anderson
19:04

Jamie Anderson

73: SOUTHAMPTON 0 - 4 ARSENAL

Arsene Wenger, or whoever's calling the shots tonight, makes a second change with Alex Iwobi replacing Jeff Reine-Adelaide. Not the most eye-catching performance in-terms of goals and assists but influential nonetheless.
19:02

Jamie Anderson

69: SOUTHAMPTON 0 - 4 ARSENAL - WALCOTT

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain threads through Alexis Sanchez, who reaches the byline and tees up Theo Walcott in the middle to sweep home.

Incidentally, Walcott has scored six goals in his last four away FA Cup matches.

Game. Over.
18:57

Jamie Anderson

66: SOUTHAMPTON 0 - 3 ARSENAL

Jordy Clasie strikes from range… it didn't go too well. Southampton showing a bit more fight after the introduction of Dusan Tadic and Nathan Redmond but nothing that'll worry David Ospina much.
18:54

Jamie Anderson

65: SOUTHAMPTON 0 - 3 ARSENAL

Things are a bit stale at St Mary's… and I don't mean Jermaine Jenas' commentary.

Claude Puel makes a couple of changes to remedy that with Dusan Tadic and Nathan Redmond replacing Shane Long and Lloyd Isgrove.

Alexis Sanchez also replaces Danny Welbeck, who won't be bagging himself a hat-trick tonight.
18:51

Jamie Anderson

61: SOUTHAMPTON 0 - 3 ARSENAL

There's a long pause in proceedings as Jeff Reine-Adelaide goes down clutching his back. Arsene Wenger responds by getting on the Walkie Talkie to deliver some instructions.

Not sure anyone's on the other end because Reine-Adelaide is continuing.
18:44

Jamie Anderson

57: SOUTHAMPTON 0 - 3 ARSENAL

Theo Walcott squanders a superb opportunity to make it four when beating the offside trap, but he stalls for what feels like an eternity and is eventually dispossessed.
18:42

Jamie Anderson

53: SOUTHAMPTON 0 - 3 ARSENAL

Wow. Danny Welbeck has literally surged 70-yards past three or four Southampton players before releasing Lucas Perez, who tees up Hector Bellerin to fizz one at Harry Lewis. Great play.
18:39

Jamie Anderson

48: SOUTHAMPTON 0 - 3 ARSENAL

I'm surprised Arsene Wenger has bothered coming out for the second half. He could make a quick getaway to watch The Voice tonight…

No change in proceedings with Southampton looking like their objective is damage limitations.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain delivers a corner but Ainsley Maitland-Niles (his fellow double-barrelled named friend) strikes up and over the bar.
18:35

Jamie Anderson

45: SOUTHAMPTON 0 - 3 ARSENAL

We're back underway. No changes.

Incidentally, the last time Southampton reached the final of the League Cup final, they were knocked out of the FA Cup final to Arsenal a week later... spooky.
18:36

Jamie Anderson

HT: SOUTHAMPTON 0 - 3 ARSENAL

Paul Merson has been up to his old tricks again with his infamous predictions on Sky Sports.

He said: "I don't see Arsenal winning this. They're not blowing teams away…"

Awkward.
18:30

Jamie Anderson

What a match to bring your bag of lettuces to...
18:30

Jamie Anderson

HT: SOUTHAMPTON 0 - 3 ARSENAL

Martin Keown on BT Sport: "Danny Welbeck has that magical extra ingredient, with so much movement. It really is Men v Boys out there. The interchange between those front three has been incredible."
18:29

Jamie Anderson

HT: SOUTHAMPTON 0 - 3 ARSENAL

This Salt Bae stuff is getting out of hand…
18:26

Jamie Anderson
18:22

Jamie Anderson
18:19

Jamie Anderson

HT: SOUTHAMPTON 0 - 3 ARSENAL

Josh Sims wastes a good opportunity on the stroke of half-time after Kieran Gibbs was outmuscled but the youngster couldn't adjust his feet quickly enough.

Arsenal are walking into the fifth-round of the FA Cup.
18:14

Jamie Anderson

43: SOUTHAMPTON 0 - 3 ARSENAL

There's a brief pause in play as David Ospina goes down injured. After some magic water is applied is alright to continue.

Atmosphere's as flat as a pancake at St Mary's now. Absolutely nothing to shout about - they've been bulldozed.
18:12

Jamie Anderson

40: SOUTHAMPTON 0 - 3 ARSENAL

A penny for Jurgen Klopp's thoughts right now.

The German tactician made nine changes for Liverpool's tie with Championship Wolves, and they were dumped out of the competition.

Arsenal make ten, and are cruising into the fifth-round against Premier League opposition.
18:10

Jamie Anderson
18:13

Jamie Anderson

36: SOUTHAMPTON 0 - 3 ARSENAL - WALCOTT

Start the car, this match is finished.

Theo Walcott has given Arsenal what appears to be an unassailable lead after poking home Danny Welbeck's cut-back.

There's a nice little relationship developing between Welbeck, Walcott and Lucas Perez.
18:06

Jamie Anderson

33: SOUTHAMPTON 0 - 2 ARSENAL

Here's the video, as promised. I always think I'd be too excited to do a pre-planned celebration if I scored.

I'd probably end up doing a Temur Ketsbaia when he kicked the advertising boards...
18:25

Jamie Anderson

30: SOUTHAMPTON 0 - 2 ARSENAL

For those wondering about Danny Welbeck's celebration, its something called Salt Bae…

I'm reliably informed that's a viral thing started by Turkish chef. I don't know either but I'll post the video you you shortly.

Back to more important matters, Southampton have a free-kick one-yard outside the penalty area but Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's effort hits the sidenetting.
17:57

Jamie Anderson

25: SOUTHAMPTON 0 - 2 ARSENAL

Southampton almost respond immediately when David Ospina was caught out of position but Rob Holding managed to clear.

Seconds later, Shane Long skins Holding but Ospina makes the save.

There was something Karmic about that passage of play…
17:59

Jamie Anderson

22: SOUTHAMPTON 0 - 2 ARSENAL - WELBECK

Two brilliant finishes from Danny Welbeck has given Arsenal a commanding lead inside 22 minutes.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain delivers a wonderful floated ball, Welbeck controlled and converted underneath Harry Lewis.

A special mention should go to Jack Stephens, who hurt himself when smashing into the post while trying clear. He's fine, but his pride might be wounded still…
17:52

Jamie Anderson

20: SOUTHAMPTON 0 - 1 ARSENAL

Arsenal are keeping their foot on the gas here at St Mary's and could have doubled their advantage were it not for a timely interception from Florin Gardos to stop Theo Walcott.

Southampton might just be struggling from that EFL Cup hangover…
17:49

Jamie Anderson
17:50

Jamie Anderson

15: SOUTHAMPTON 0 - 1 ARSENAL - WELBECK

Welcome back Danny Welbeck!

The England international has made the breakthrough, seconds after I said this would be a stalemate, with a delightful chipped finish that clipped the underside of the bar before nestling into the corner.

Top finish, top player.
17:45

Jamie Anderson

14: SOUTHAMPTON 0 - 0 ARSENAL

This has got replay written all over it. We haven't had a draw in our opening 10 FA Cup fixtures today… what were the odds of that happening?

Neither side pressuring the other - think less heavy metal football and more BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge...
17:41

Jamie Anderson

10: SOUTHAMPTON 0 - 0 ARSENAL

These touchline bans don't look too shabby. Great views and you can slip out for a beer whenever you want!

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain fizzes one from distance but he's dragged it wide.

Everyone enjoying watching two heavily changed Premier League sides? There's 20 changes to be precise...
17:38

Jamie Anderson
17:37

Jamie Anderson

6: SOUTHAMPTON 0 - 0 ARSENAL

Jeff Reine-Adelaide's goal-bound effort is deflected behind for a corner, that's easily cleared by Southampton.

The No.10 then slips through Lucas Perez, whose cross somehow alludes everyone inside the area.

Positive start from Arsenal.
17:34

Jamie Anderson

3: SOUTHAMPTON 0 - 0 ARSENAL

Top banter from Daniel Storey above, totally irrelevant for this match of course.

Anyway, Arsenal are dominating possession in the opening stages with Southampton looking to employ the same tactics used against Liverpool on Wednesday.

They've already made the final of the EFL Cup, a second would be greedy, right?
17:31

Jamie Anderson

1: SOUTHAMPTON 0 - 0 ARSENAL

This picture must have been taken a while ago because St Mary's looks packed tonight!

Much better than their replay against Norwich a few weeks ago, when the stadium was filled with three blokes and a dog.

Anyway, we're underway!
17:28

Jamie Anderson

SOUTHAMPTON v ARSENAL

I don't know what Arsene Wenger's been organising in training this week, but spirits look HIGH in the Arsenal camp.

Will that translate to the pitch today?
17:27

Jamie Anderson

SOUTHAMPTON v ARSENAL

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was charged by the FA on Monday after he was sent to the stands by the referee for allegedly using abusive or insulting language towards fourth official Anthony Taylor.

The Frenchman won't be on the sidelines but he is inside the stadium and has already given his pre-match talk.

Steve Bould will be giving the orders from the touchline.
17:25

Jamie Anderson
17:22

Jamie Anderson
17:20

Jamie Anderson

SOUTHAMPTON v ARSENAL

Analysis from our reporter Uche Amako.

Danny Welbeck makes his first start for Arsenal since May against Southampton.

The England international has made two appearances off the bench since recovering from injury gets the chance to play from the beginning at the St Mary’s.

Theo Walcott also starts after injury while Lucas Perez, Rob Holding, Kieran Gibbs and Hector Bellerin also come into the side.

Francis Coquelin, Aaron Ramsey, Olivier Giroud, Mesut Ozil and Laurent Koscielny are rested ahead of a busy week.

Southampton are without Virgil van Dijk, James Ward-Prowse and Jay Rodriguez and manager Claude Puel has selected a much changed side from team which beat Liverpool in midweek.

Only Jack Stephens keeps his place with Jordy Clasie, Cuco Martina, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Joshua Sims among those who start.
17:17

Jamie Anderson

SOUTHAMPTON v ARSENAL

Southampton XI: Lewis, Martina, Gardos, Stephens, McQueen, Hojbjerg, Clasie, Reed, Sims, Long, Isgrove.

Subs: Yoshida, Davis, Tadic, Romeu, Bertrand, Redmond, Taylor.

Arsenal XI: Ospina, Bellerin, Mustafi, Holding, Gibbs, Reine-Adelaide, Maitland-Niles, Walcott, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Lucas Perez, Welbeck.

Subs: Mertesacker, Gabriel, Sanchez, Iwobi, Monreal, Jenkinson, Martinez.

Referee: Kevin Friend.
17:15

Jamie Anderson

GOOD EVENING,

We've just witnessed a monster 30 goals in nine FA Cup fourth-round fixtures, with Lincoln reaching the next round for the first time in their history and Tottenham winning an incredible match against League Two Wycombe.

Anyway, onto the next one.

Thanks for joining us for LIVE coverage of Southampton v Arsenal from St Mary's... I'm sure it's going to be a cracker!