Eddie Nketiah struck twice in the second half to help Arsenal to a comfortable 3-0 win at Oxford United and set up a fascinating FA Cup fourth-round tie at Manchester City.
The Gunners travel to the Etihad on the last weekend of January after a much-improved performance in the second 45 minutes at the Kassam Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s side failed to record a single shot on target in the first half as Oxford upset the Premier League leaders, but Mohamed Elneny set them on their way 10 minutes into the second period with his first goal of the season.
Niketia then confirmed Arsenal’s progress to the fourth round as he continued his impressive form with two composed finishes in front of goal that ended Oxford’s stubborn resistance.
Nketiah continues to shine while Vieira shines
Arsenal enter the match against League One side Oxford having won 19 of their 24 matches this season and have announced a strong XI despite making seven changes from a disappointing start. 0-0 draw at home to Newcastle.
But Oxford – who are 14th in the third tier – did not look like a fighting side as the Gunners opened up a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League, holding them at bay with relative ease in the first half.
The only moment of danger came when Elliot Moore blocked Albert Sambi Lokonga’s shot in the area with his hand, but referee David Coote dismissed Arsenal’s claim – and there was no VAR operation to overturn his call.
Arteta was unlikely to be satisfied with what he saw from his side and was no doubt relieved to see them wake up from their slumber after half-time, seeing Bukayo Saka’s shot cleared off the line by Lewis Bate.
Elneny’s header from Fabio Vieira’s inviting free-kick finally settled their nerves, and the Portuguese midfielder then claimed another assist when his brilliant ball set up Niketia, who rounded goalkeeper Edward McGuinty before slotting home.
Mohamed Elneny scored his first goal since May 2021 to give Arsenal the lead
Nketiah then claimed his fifth goal in as many games – a huge bonus for Arsenal with an injury to Gabriel Jesus – with a delightful dinked finish for victory.
Emil Smith Rowe gave Arteta another reason to cheer when he came off the bench for the first time since September since groin surgery, while the manager played down fears over Saka’s fitness after the final whistle despite the forward limping in front of the huge north Londoners. Derby at Tottenham on Sunday, live Sky Sports.
Sunday 15 January at 4:00 p.m
Start at 4:30 p.m
Arteta: Saka ‘is fine’ | ‘Niketia is a great finisher’
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was delighted with the depth of his squad after his side overcame stubborn Oxford in the third round of the FA Cup.
Saka went down twice at the Kassam Stadium, eventually coming on for Smith Rowe in the 75th minute after receiving treatment on the field, but Arteta insisted he had no concerns over the England international’s fitness.
“He’s fine,” said the Arsenal boss, who now has five days to prepare his side to face Tottenham.
Arteta also spoke about Nketiah’s form, adding: “Obviously he is waiting for this moment.
“He had the patience when he needed to but also had the right mindset and was preparing himself for the moment.
“That’s why I think he looks ready and why he’s performing the way he is. He’s shown great patience.
“He is a great finisher, the timing of his runs and his decision to wait until the last moment when the keeper was committed shows his quality.
“His understanding, his work rate, I think he’s getting better.”
Robinson: My players have done the club proud
Karl Robinson was displeased with the free-kick that scored Arsenal’s first goal
Oxford boss Carl Robinson said his players had “done the club proud” with their performance against the Premier League leaders, while he questioned the awarding of the free-kick that saw Arsenal open the scoring.
Gabriel Martinelli went down for the win on what appeared to be a soft foul, and Robinson said ITV: “Whether or not it was a free-kick is a question mark, but the ball is a Premier League player.”
He added: “We lost control of the game midway through the second half.
“From my point of view, the players made the club proud. We fought in all areas. They didn’t look like a team far from the other teams.
“We have good players. This is the first time I’ve had my strongest team to compete. We have a good team, a good team – one that’s full of energy and exciting to watch.”
what now
Oxford United The next game sees them with a trip back to League One action Fleetwood Saturday – Kick off 3pm.
of Arsenal Next outing is the North London derby, with the Gunners travelling Tottenham For Sunday’s important Premier League match, live Sky Sports – Kick off 4.30pm.
Mikel Arteta’s side will then face another big Premier League test Manchester United On Sunday January 22, live Sky Sports – Kick off 4.30pm.
