Across more than a century of football encounters, the rivalry between Southampton FC and Arsenal FC has produced memorable moments, dominant performances, and surprising upsets. From the first meetings in the early twentieth century to recent Premier League battles, tracking this head-to-head record reveals patterns of Arsenal supremacy alongside Southampton’s occasional triumphs. For those interested in broader football statistics, our analysis of Premier League head-to-head records provides additional context on English football rivalries.
The two clubs have faced each other in various competitions, including the Premier League, FA Cup, and EFL Cup. While Arsenal has maintained a commanding overall record, Southampton has delivered notable victories that remain etched in the history of English football.
What is the Head-to-Head Record Between Southampton FC and Arsenal FC?
Arsenal holds a commanding advantage in the all-time head-to-head record. Across 109 total meetings in all competitions, Arsenal has secured 55 victories while Southampton has won 24 encounters. The remaining 30 matches have ended in draws. Arsenal has scored 183 goals compared to Southampton’s 113 across these fixtures, highlighting the north London club’s consistent attacking threat in this matchup.
In Premier League matches specifically, the statistics show Arsenal with 13 wins against Southampton’s 7 wins, with 8 draws in their last 28 meetings. The goal differential in these top-flight encounters further demonstrates Arsenal’s dominance in the contemporary record.
The following overview provides a quick statistical reference for this fixture:
- Total Matches Played: 109 meetings across all competitions
- Arsenal Wins: 55 victories
- Southampton Wins: 24 victories
- Draws: 30 draws
Key insights from the overall record include:
- Arsenal has won roughly half of all meetings between the clubs
- Southampton has secured victories in approximately one in four encounters
- Arsenal has scored 70 more goals than Southampton across the fixture history
- The Gunners maintain superior records both home and away against Southampton
- Ian Wright holds the highest documented individual goal tally in this fixture with 11 goals
- Southampton has produced memorable upset victories, particularly in cup competitions
In their last 10 Premier League meetings, Arsenal has won 4 matches, with 3 draws and 3 Southampton victories. Southampton scored 33 goals while Arsenal scored 50 in their previous 28 Premier League meetings.
Head-to-Head Statistics Comparison
| Category | Southampton | Arsenal | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Wins | 24 | 55 | 109 matches |
| Premier League Wins | 7 | 13 | 28 matches |
| Draws | — | — | 30 |
| Goals Scored | 113 | 183 | 296 |
Timeline of Recent Southampton vs Arsenal Matches
The most recent encounters between the clubs have shown mixed results, with Arsenal generally maintaining the upper hand while Southampton has occasionally managed to upset the odds.
2024–2026: Contemporary Encounters
On April 4, 2026, Southampton claimed a notable FA Cup victory with a 2-1 win over Arsenal. This result demonstrated Southampton’s capability to compete with their more decorated opponents in cup competitions.
The most recent Premier League meeting occurred on May 25, 2025, when Arsenal secured a 2-1 victory over Southampton in Round 38. Martin Odegaard’s late strike proved decisive as Arsenal claimed all three points in their final match of the season.
Earlier in the 2024–25 season, on October 5, 2024, Arsenal defeated Southampton 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium. That victory ended a period of frustration for Arsenal, which had been winless in three consecutive matches against Southampton.
In their last 10 Premier League meetings, the balance has been relatively even with 4 Arsenal wins, 3 draws, and 3 Southampton victories. However, Arsenal’s superior goal difference reflects their greater attacking efficiency in these encounters.
2022–2023: Notable Results
April 2023 saw the clubs play out an entertaining 3-3 draw at the Emirates Stadium. Both teams found the net multiple times in a match that showcased attacking football from both sides.
Arsenal claimed a dominant 3-0 home victory over Southampton in December 2021, a result that highlighted the quality gap between the two sides during that period.
Southampton secured a 1-0 victory at St Mary’s in April 2022, demonstrating their ability to frustrate Arsenal and claim maximum points on home soil.
Full Historical Timeline of Southampton FC vs Arsenal FC Matches
The fixture between Southampton and Arsenal dates back over a century, with the clubs meeting in various competitions including the top flight, FA Cup, and EFL Cup.
Mid-2010s: Southampton’s Upset Sequence
Southampton achieved a remarkable sequence of results against Arsenal in the mid-2010s. In January 2017, Southampton thrashed Arsenal 5-0 in an FA Cup Fourth Round match at St Mary’s Stadium. Earlier that season, in November 2016, Southampton secured a 2-0 victory over Arsenal in the EFL Cup.
These results represented significant upsets given Arsenal’s general dominance in the fixture. The 5-0 margin in particular stood as one of Southampton’s most impressive performances against top-tier opposition.
Southampton’s cup victories in 2016 and 2017 showed that the Saints could compete with Arsenal when playing knockout football, though these results have not translated into consistent Premier League success against the Gunners.
Late 2010s: Mixed Results
Southampton defeated Arsenal 3-2 at home in December 2018, securing another memorable victory in this fixture. The result demonstrated Southampton’s capability to score against Arsenal’s defense while holding on for maximum points.
Early 2020s: Premier League Battles
The early 2020s saw continued Premier League encounters between the clubs. Arsenal’s December 2021 victory represented one of their more dominant performances in recent memory, while Southampton’s April 2022 win provided a reminder of their home strength.
Key Moments and Historic Wins in the Southampton vs Arsenal Rivalry
Several matches stand out as defining moments in the fixture history, reflecting the unpredictable nature of football rivalries.
Southampton’s Most Significant Victories
The 5-0 FA Cup victory in January 2017 remains Southampton’s most emphatic result against Arsenal in recent memory. The atmosphere at St Mary’s that day created an unforgettable experience for home supporters.
The November 2016 EFL Cup victory provided further evidence of Southampton’s ability to overcome Arsenal in cup competitions during that era.
The December 2018 home win and April 2022 victory at St Mary’s demonstrated Southampton’s continued capacity to cause problems for Arsenal in Premier League matches.
Arsenal’s Dominant Performances
Arsenal’s December 2021 3-0 victory showcased their quality differential during that campaign. The result reflected Arsenal’s improved form and tactical approach.
The April 2023 3-3 draw, while not a victory, demonstrated Arsenal’s attacking capability against Southampton, with the Gunners contributing significantly to an entertaining spectacle.
Martin Odegaard’s late winner on May 25, 2025, proved crucial for Arsenal’s season objectives, highlighting his importance to the team in high-pressure situations.
Individual Records
Arsenal legend Ian Wright holds the highest documented goal tally against Southampton with 11 goals in this fixture. Wright’s record reflects his prolific scoring ability during his Arsenal career and his particular success against Southampton’s defense.
Timeline of Major Encounters
The following list presents key matches in chronological order, highlighting the evolution of this fixture across decades:
- November 2016: Southampton 2-0 Arsenal (EFL Cup)
- January 2017: Southampton 5-0 Arsenal (FA Cup Fourth Round)
- December 2018: Southampton 3-2 Arsenal (Premier League)
- December 2021: Arsenal 3-0 Southampton (Premier League)
- April 2022: Southampton 1-0 Arsenal (Premier League)
- April 2023: Arsenal 3-3 Southampton (Premier League)
- October 2024: Arsenal 3-1 Southampton (Premier League)
- May 2025: Southampton 1-2 Arsenal (Premier League)
- April 2026: Southampton 2-1 Arsenal (FA Cup)
What Information Remains Verified or Uncertain
The following summary distinguishes between confirmed facts from established sources and areas where verification remains ongoing:
| Established Information | Information Requiring Further Confirmation |
|---|---|
| 109 total meetings across all competitions | Exact details of early 20th century encounters |
| Arsenal 55 wins, Southampton 24 wins, 30 draws | Comprehensive cup competition records |
| Arsenal 183 goals, Southampton 113 goals | Individual player milestone confirmations |
| Recent match results from 2022-2026 | Details of upcoming fixtures beyond confirmed dates |
| Ian Wright’s 11-goal record against Southampton | Full historical verification of early meetings |
Rivalry Context and Historical Significance
The fixture between Southampton and Arsenal has developed its own character over more than a century of encounters. While Arsenal has generally held the upper hand statistically, Southampton has produced memorable moments that have given their supporters reason to celebrate.
The geographic proximity between the two clubs has contributed to a competitive but generally respectful rivalry. Matches have often been contested with intensity, reflecting the desire of both sets of players to claim local bragging rights.
From Arsenal’s perspective, Southampton has never been considered a major obstacle in their quest for silverware, yet the fixture has produced enough notable results to ensure the Saints are never underestimated. For Southampton, victories against Arsenal represent significant achievements that rank among the club’s most memorable moments.
Sources and References
Statistical data for this article has been compiled from established football statistics providers including SportsMole, WorldFootball.net, FotMob, and FootyStats. These sources aggregate official match records from Premier League and cup competition archives.
The rivalry between Southampton and Arsenal demonstrates how football rivalries can transcend simple statistical dominance, with the smaller club capable of producing memorable upsets that capture the imagination of supporters.
Summary
The head-to-head record between Southampton FC and Arsenal FC reveals a story of Arsenal dominance punctuated by Southampton’s occasional triumphs. Across 109 meetings, Arsenal has claimed 55 victories compared to Southampton’s 24, with 30 matches ending in draws. The goal tally of 183 for Arsenal against 113 for Southampton further illustrates the north London club’s consistent superiority.
Yet the fixture has produced moments that transcend these numbers. Southampton’s 5-0 FA Cup victory in 2017 and their various home wins demonstrate that the Saints are capable of competing with Arsenal on their day. The rivalry continues to evolve, with recent encounters showing a more balanced competitive dynamic.
For fans seeking to compare more Premier League head-to-head records, our analysis of Bristol City vs Sheffield United Stats provides additional statistical insights into English football rivalries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the all-time head-to-head record between Southampton and Arsenal?
Arsenal has won 55 matches, Southampton has won 24, and 30 have ended in draws across 109 total meetings in all competitions.
When was the most recent Southampton vs Arsenal match?
The most recent encounter was an FA Cup match on April 4, 2026, where Southampton defeated Arsenal 2-1.
Who won the most recent Premier League meeting?
Arsenal won the most recent Premier League meeting 2-1 on May 25, 2025, with Martin Odegaard scoring a late winner.
Has Southampton ever beaten Arsenal at home?
Yes, Southampton has defeated Arsenal at home multiple times, including a 3-2 win in December 2018 and a 1-0 victory in April 2022.
What is the biggest win in Southampton vs Arsenal history?
Southampton’s 5-0 victory over Arsenal in the FA Cup Fourth Round on January 28, 2017, represents one of the biggest margins of victory in this fixture.
Who has scored the most goals against Southampton in this fixture?
Arsenal legend Ian Wright holds the record with 11 goals scored against Southampton during his career at Arsenal.
How many goals have been scored in total across all Southampton vs Arsenal matches?
Across 109 meetings, the combined total stands at 296 goals: 183 for Arsenal and 113 for Southampton.
When do Southampton and Arsenal next play each other?
Specific upcoming fixture dates beyond confirmed results may vary. Check Premier League schedules for the latest information on future meetings between the clubs.
Oliver Arthur Morgan Harrison is a staff writer for StoryShift.uk, covering UK news, culture, politics and technology. He works under Editor-in-Chief Maarika Tamm and UK Managing Editor Oliver Grant, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.