Southampton go marching on in FA Cup

Southampton put their Premier League troubles to one side as they reached the FA Cup semi-finals by brushing past Championship hosts Bournemouth 3-0.

The visitors went ahead when Moussa Djenepo coolly slotted in Redmond’s precise pass after a driving run.

Redmond’s stunning solo goal gave the visitors a commanding half-time lead before he calmly steered in the third.

Southampton will find out their semi-finals opponent when the draw is made at half-time in Sunday’s tie between Leicester and Manchester United, live on BBC One around 17:45 GMT.

The semi-finals will take place on the weekend of 17-18 April, with the final at Wembley on 15 May.

Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has made no secret of the club’s ambitions to go far in the FA Cup this season and, having seen off Shrewsbury, Arsenal and Wolves to reach the last eight, facing Championship opposition was a presentable opportunity to move into the semi-finals.

A wretched run of form, heavily contributed to by a string of injuries to key players, has sent the Saints plummeting down the Premier League and put them in danger of being dragged into a relegation battle.

The FA Cup, however, has provided a welcome distraction.

A professional performance, full of pace and purpose, illustrated the gulf in quality between Hasenhuttl’s side and a Bournemouth team which has been inconsistent as they pursue an instant return to the top flight.

The Cherries have also been beset by several injuries in recent weeks and Jonathan Woodgate’s side were well short of the required level needed to test their south-coast neighbours.

After being given a reprieve when Cameron Carter-Vickers’ early own goal was overturned by VAR, Bournemouth were unable to use that as a springboard and get a foothold in the game.

Once the Saints exploded into life towards the end of the first half – largely down to former England Under-21 international Redmond – there were few signs of a Cherries comeback.

While there will be understandable dismay at not being able to become the first Bournemouth side to reach the FA Cup semi-finals, Woodgate’s side must now regroup to focus on their promotion campaign.