Tomas Rosicky’s goal proved decisive for Arsenal.
Arsenal held firm to see off Championship side Brighton & Hove Albion and book their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Arsenal took the lead inside two minutes with Theo Walcott rewarding Arsene Wenger’s faith with a fine goal as he controlled before turning to fire past goalkeeper David Stockdale.
Mesut Ozil, another player back in the starting lineup after injury, then slid home a deserved second to give the visitors a 2-0 lead going into the break.
Brighton were given hope five minutes into the second half when Chris O’Grady found space at the edge of the area to turn and fire past Wojciech Szczesny, but Arsenal restored their two-goal cushion within 10 minutes as Tomas Rosicky volleyed home.
Brighton, though, refused to be beaten, and Sam Baldock revived the home fans’ hopes with a dinked finish with around 15 minutes to play.
Alexis Sanchez came close for Arsenal when he came off the bench and hit the woodwork with a deflected free kick, but ultimately the Premier League side progressed with a 3-2 win.
Full report to follow…
