FA Cup: Arsenal and Villa win through
Arsenal held off a spirited Brighton at Amex Stadium to claim a 3-2 victory and a place in the FA Cup fifth round.
Hoping to avoid the fate of Barclays Premier League rivals Chelsea, Manchester City, Tottenham and Southampton, who were all dumped out of the competition on Saturday, the holders looked to be cruising when Theo Walcott and Mesut Ozil put the holders two up at the break.
Brighton reduced the deficit through Chris O’Grady before a superb volley from Tomas Rosicky restored Arsenal’s two-goal advantage.
Sam Baldock pulled another goal back for Brighton and the Seagulls could have had a penalty when Calum Chambers handled in the box with five minutes to play, but the Gunners were spared.
Carles Gil helped fire Aston Villa into the next round as they avoided an upset to beat Sky Bet Championship leaders Bournemouth 2-1.
The Spanish midfielder’s first goal for the club on his full debut put the hosts ahead, with Andreas Weimann’s second-half strike – his first goal since November – extending their lead.
Callum Wilson replied deep into stoppage time for Bournemouth but it was too late to mount a comeback.
West Ham will also be in Monday night’s draw after edging past brave Bristol City 1-0.
Substitute Diafra Sakho headed home the only goal nine minutes from time in what was his first appearance since suffering a back injury against West Brom on New Year’s Day.
