Arsenal produced an improved second-half performance after a tight opening half, to win 3-0 against Oxford United thanks to Eddie Nketiah’s brace and Mohamed Elneny’s header.
Mikel Arteta’s men after a disappointing 0-0 at home in the league to third place Newcastle United, responded brightly in the fa cup third round clash on Monday night.
The premier league leaders were held at bay by a resolute Oxford United’s defense in the first half, with the gunners only having two shots and none on target in the first 45 minutes.
Arsenal started the second half on the front foot as a corner was cleared by their opponent’s defense in the 48th minute.
Egyptian international Midfielder Mohammed Elneny then scored his first goal of the season after converting a perfect cross from summer signing Fabio Viera as Arsenal took the lead just two minutes after the hour mark.
Eddie Nketiah then doubled the away side’s advantage seven minutes later, the 23-year-old Englishman scored his third goal in four appearances post world Cup after connecting with a pass from Fabio Viera and rounding the goalkeeper.
Nketiah who came in for Arsenal after Gabriel Jesus injury, then made it four goals from four starts. The England U21 record scorer scored from a cheeky lobm while he was set on goal by Gabriel Martinelli in the 75th minute.
The victory for Arsenal will see them move into the fourth round of the fa cup for the first time in two seasons after missing out last season through a 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest.
Arsenal’s next opponent in the fourth round is Manchester City at the Etihad, Pep Guardiola’s men defeated Chelsea 4-0 to clinch their fourth round spot on Sunday night.
