Oxford United vs Arsenal LIVE: FA Cup result, final score and reaction
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Premier League leaders Arsenal booked an FA Cup fourth round clash with Manchester City after they beat third-tier Oxford United 3-0 on Monday night thanks to second-half goals from Mohamed Elneny and two from Eddie Nketiah.
Oxford more then held their own on their own turf in the first half, giving Arsenal a few worrying moments while restricting their illustrious opponents to half chances down the other end.
Once the deadlock was broken by Elneny, however, a bullet header from a Fabio Vieira free kick in the 63rd minute, Arsenal were too strong for Oxford.
Nketiah made sure of the victory seven minutes later from another Vieira assist, before he netted his fifth goal in his last five matches in all competitions for the Gunners 14 minutes from time to put the seal on a hard-earned Arsenal win.
A trip to Premier League champions City at the end of the month is Arsenal’s reward for the win, as Mikel Arteta’s side continue their fine season.
Eddie Nketiah double steers Arsenal past Oxford in FA Cup to set up Man City clash
As Oleksandr Zinchenko and Granit Xhaka stood on the touchline, Arsenal were well past the point of knowing they were in an FA Cup tie. For 60 minutes, Oxford United had played up to their role of frustrating the Premier League leaders and Mikel Arteta’s side were forced to withstand some awkward moments, leading to the Arsenal manager coming to the conclusion that reinforcements were necessary.
But 10 minutes later, any thoughts of a closing giant-killing to wrap up a weekend of FA Cup shocks had been swiftly put to bed. Two incisive moments of quality from Fabio Vieira broke Oxford’s resistance, first setting up Mohamed Elneny’s thumping header with a whipped free kick, before playing through Eddie Nketiah to double Arsenal’s lead. After rounding goalkeeper Edward McGinty to finish his first, Nketiah scored his second with a delightful dink. It steered Arsenal into the fourth round, where they will face title rivals Manchester City in an early preview of their upcoming Premier League battles.
Eddie Nketiah double steers Arsenal past Oxford in FA Cup to set up Man City clash
Oxford United 0-3 Arsenal: Mohamed Elneny’s header to break the deadlock was followed by a quickfire double from Nketiah as the Premier League leaders avoided an upset
Oxford United vs Arsenal
Attempt missed. Oleksandr Zinchenko (Arsenal) left footed shot from outside the box is too high.
Oxford United vs Arsenal
Attempt blocked. Eddie Nketiah (Arsenal) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Mohamed Elneny.
Oxford United vs Arsenal
Attempt saved. Sam Long (Oxford United) header from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Tyler Goodrham with a cross.
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