Arsenal has been eliminated from the FA Cup after a 2-1 quarter-final defeat to Championship side Southampton. Shea Charles scored the decisive goal for the Saints in the 85th minute, after Viktor Gyökeres had equalized for Arsenal earlier in the second half.

Just two weeks ago, Arsenal were tipped for an unprecedented quadruple, but defeats in the Carabao Cup final to Manchester City and now the FA Cup exit have left those ambitions in tatters. The Gunners, who have not won the Premier League for 22 years, have finished second in the last three seasons.

Meanwhile, Chelsea delivered a statement win over League One side Port Vale, thrashing them 7-0 to secure a semi-final spot and set a 100-year FA Cup record. Chelsea scored at least four goals in four consecutive FA Cup matches, accumulating 19 goals in the competition so far. Six different players scored in the victory, alongside an own goal. While Port Vale sit at the bottom of League One, the feat remains historic.

Manchester City, boosted by Erling Haaland’s timely return to form, has also sent strong signals in the competition. Following their Carabao Cup final win against Arsenal and a 4-0 dismantling of Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals, City are poised to challenge for a domestic treble this season.

With both Liverpool and Arsenal eliminated, Chelsea and Manchester City are the only traditional “big teams” left in the FA Cup, setting up a high-stakes path to the trophy later this season.