Match-winner Long sets sights on FA Cup run with Southampton

Their recent league form may not be something to shout home about but Shane Long believes the perfect tonic can be an extended FA Cup run for Southampton.

The Saints are without a win in the Premier League in eight matches, but are enjoying better fortunes in the cup competitions this season.

They currently lead Liverpool 1-0 after the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final, while on Tuesday night Long’s stoppage time goal saw them edge past Norwich City 1-0 in the third round of the FA Cup.

(Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

That sets up a clash with Arsenal in the next round and, after seeing some of the fringe players step up against the Canaries, Long is confident they can do the same against the Gunners.

“It would be brilliant,” he said. “There were nine changes tonight and a lot of young faces coming into the team who are working hard in training and deserved their chance and these cup runs give them a chance to show their worth and I felt they did a brilliant job.

“It gives us an opportunity to get a few goals and a run of form, and after our league form it’s nice to get a win and we’ll try to kick on from here.

“We always seem to meet them (Arsenal) in the cup but it’s going to be a great game and hopefully it will be a big turn-out and the fans will get us through that one as it’s always a tough one, Arsenal.

“They’re a good side and I think they might make a few changes as well, which they normally do, and it could be an evenly contested game.

“We’re still in with a shout by keeping ourselves in the competition and we’ll still take every game as it comes.”