Southampton Earn FA Cup Replay with Late Equalizer Against Watford

Watford FC set up an Emirates FA Cup fourth-round replay at St Mary’s following a 1-1 draw against Southampton. The Hornets took an early lead with a well-placed free-kick by Matheus Martins, ending their 477-day goal drought from set-pieces. However, a late resurgence from Southampton saw substitute Stuart Armstrong score an equalizer just before stoppage time. The result extends Southampton’s club-record unbeaten run and sets up another meeting between the two teams.

Manager Valérien Ismaël made six changes to Watford’s lineup, including the inclusion of defender Mattie Pollock for his first start of the season. Returning players Emmanuel Dennis and Ken Sema were named on the bench after recovering from injury. Watford started strong, with Giorgi Chakvetadze intercepting a weak pass from Southampton and setting up Yáser Asprilla for a free-kick just outside the box. Martins took advantage of a gap at the near-post and fired a powerful low shot, beating goalkeeper Joe Lumley.

Following the early goal, Watford continued to dominate possession and create chances, while Southampton struggled to find their footing. Daniel Bachmann, Watford’s goalkeeper, made a comfortable save from Carlos Alcaraz‘s header, and Lumley denied Wesley Hoedt’s effort from a free-kick. However, Watford’s Bayo missed a good opportunity, and Taylor Harwood-Bellis made a crucial tackle to prevent Asprilla from getting a shot on goal.

Southampton started the second half with greater intensity and pushed for an equalizer. Alcaraz attempted a free-kick outside the box, but it sailed over the bar. Asprilla showcased his skills by bypassing Mason Holgate twice, eventually leading to a shot by Chakvetadze that Lumley saved well. The match became more balanced, with both teams creating opportunities, but Watford had better chances. Ryan Andrews provided excellent play throughout the game and sent a cross-field pass to Sema, whose shot was blocked.

In the dying moments of the match, Southampton pressed aggressively and pinned Watford back. Armstrong scored the equalizer from outside the area, putting the teams level. Southampton pushed for a late winner, with Sam Amo-Aweyaw unleashing a dangerous curling strike that Bachmann did well to push wide. Andrews had an opportunity to win the game for Watford, but Lumley was up to the task. The draw means Watford and Southampton will face each other again in a replay to determine who will advance to the fifth round, where they will face either Liverpool or Norwich City.