Arsenal loanee Charlie Patino scored against Southampton in the FA Cup on Saturday, though he ended up on the losing side anyway.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND: Joe Aribo of Southampton is challenged by Charlie Patino of Blackpool during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Southampton and Blackpool at St Mary's Stadium on January 28, 2023. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND: Joe Aribo of Southampton is challenged by Charlie Patino of Blackpool during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Southampton and Blackpool at St Mary’s Stadium on January 28, 2023. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

Though he’s currently on loan with Championship side Blackpool, Charlie Patino had the opportunity to take on Premier League opposition in Southampton on Saturday.

Blackpool had drawn the Saints as their FA Cup fourth-round opponent, and it proved a tough test for the lower-league side.

Southampton took the lead midway through the first half, before doubling their advantage in the 62nd minute. But Patino gave his side hope soon after that, pulling one goal back.

Jerry Yates got into the penalty area and cut a pass back to Patino, who capitalised on some defensive uncertainty to slide a shot into the corner with his right foot.

https://twitter.com/EmiratesFACup/status/1619389969662869505

Not long after that, Blackpool boss Mick McCarthy opted to take Patino off, and they couldn’t quite get the equaliser they needed.

All the same, Arsenal’s 19-year-old midfielder will take with him a first FA Cup goal and a first goal against Premier League opposition – having scored his debut Arsenal goal against Sunderland in the League Cup.

Arsenal's English midfielder Charlie Patino, who scored a goal on his debut, applauds supporters on the pitch after the English League Cup quarter-final football match between Arsenal and Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium in London on December 21, 2021. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)
Arsenal’s English midfielder Charlie Patino, who scored a goal on his debut, applauds supporters on the pitch after the English League Cup quarter-final football match between Arsenal and Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium in London on December 21, 2021. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)

Cup elimination probably isn’t the worst thing for Blackpool, given they really need to focus on their league campaign.

Sitting 23rd in the Championship table, Blackpool are three points behind the nearest team outside of the relegation zone, though they do have a game in hand.

There’s still plenty of season left to go, but they need to start turning things around now.

From an individual point of view, Patino continues to get regular starts for Blackpool, and he’s up to 24 appearances in all competitions this campaign.