Man of match - Danny Welbeck (Arsenal) Danny Welbeck scored and assisted in the same match for the first time since September 2014 against Aston Villa A first since Bendtner - the stats There is no doubt the Gunners' boss would have preferred to be in his usual position on the touchline - but he was able to sit back and relax as Arsenal cruised into the FA Cup Fifth round. Wenger, who was also fined ВЈ25,000, barely had a moment of discomfort as his right-hand man Steve Bould took charge on the touchline.

He was serving the first game in a four-match touchline suspension after accepting a Football Association charge of misconduct for verbally abusing and pushing fourth official Anthony Taylor in the win against Burnley at Emirates Stadium. Wenger watched this emphatic Arsenal display from the comfort of a seat in the stand at St Mary's. Best seat in the house for Wenger Wenger was banned after pushing fourth official Anthony Taylor against Burnley last-time out The party mood was deflated but Saints fans were in forgiving mood, with even the smattering of boos at half-time and at the end sounding very half-hearted, as if this team selection and Anfield hangover was to be expected. Saints' boss Puel pointed clearly to his priorities with 10 changes from the team that won at Anfield, only defender Jack Stephens keeping his place in the starting line-up.ДЄnd how it showed as Southampton played like strangers to be ripped apart by Arsenal. There was a mood of celebration around St Mary's as supporters arrived for this FA Cup fourth-round tie - and rightly so after the outstanding victory over two legs against Liverpool sent them into the EFL Cup final against Manchester United at Wembley on 26 February. The Gunners' first goal came from a 16-pass move. Southampton allowed Arsenal to press high up the pitch, a strategy that backfired as they were able to patiently pass the ball around inside the Saints half to work their openings.

Wenger wisely withdrew him after 64 minutes with the game safe, to a fully deserved standing ovation from the travelling fans.

If he can finally put a run of games together after his long absence, he will be a key asset for Wenger. Welbeck is due a run of good fortune with injuries and he demonstrated here that he brings tireless effort and work-rate to Arsenal's team as well as a goal threat. Welbeck then showed his awareness and value as a team player to cross for Walcott to react before any Southampton defender for a simple close-range strike for Arsenal's third. He was at it again seven minutes later, bringing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's floated pass under his spell before showing composure once more to beat Lewis. Welbeck's end product has occasionally drawn criticism but it was as smooth as silk here, taking Lucas Perez's pass to loft a clever finish over Southampton's stand-in keeper Harry Lewis for his first, drawing Wenger out of his seat in the stand in delight. This was Welbeck's first start since May 2016 but there was not the slightest sign of rustiness as he settled to his task as if he had never been away. Relive Arsenal's FA Cup win at Southampton.Millwall host Watford at 12:00 GMT, followed at 16:00 GMT by holders Manchester United against Wigan. BBC One is showing two live FA Cup ties on Sunday.The Gunners, with manager Arsene Wenger watching from the stands as he starts a four-match touchline ban, heaped further misery on Southampton after the break, sending on Alexis Sanchez as substitute to create two comfortable finishes for Saints product Walcott. Welback, back in the starting line-up after that lengthy absence following knee surgery, put Arsenal in control with two cool finishes inside the first 22 minutes then set up Arsenal's third for Walcott before half-time.

Thursday night football january 5 2017