OXFORD: Eddie Nketiah scored two times as Arsenal arrange an FA Cup fourth-round conflict away to Manchester Town after seeing off third-tier Oxford United 3-0 on Monday. Mohamed Elneny’s header opened the floodgates on the Kassam Stadium after the Premier League leaders did not make the step forward for over an hour.
Nketiah then sealed the win via taking his tally to 4 objectives in as many video games for the reason that International Cup spoil. “We needed to up the extent because it wasn’t excellent sufficient from us within the first part and I believe we did that during the second one,” stated Nketiah. “It’s now not the most efficient draw however we’re up for it.”
Mikel Arteta named a robust facet that includes his most well-liked entrance 3 within the absence of the injured Gabriel Jesus as Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli flanked Nketiah in assault. Arsenal have been dominant in ownership ahead of the spoil however struggled to create any simple possibilities and have been additional annoyed via the verdict to not award a penalty for handball when Elliott Moore blocked Albert Sambi Lokonga’s effort.
Fabio Vieira used to be a kind of now not usually in Arteta’s beginning line-up given a possibility to polish and the Portuguese made his mark after the spoil with two assists. The previous Porto midfielder’s inviting free-kick used to be headed in powerfully via Elneny for the Egyptian’s first function since 2021. Nketiah then persevered to take advantage of his extended run within the facet following Jesus’ damage.
The best-ever most sensible goalscorer for England’s under-21s coolly rounded Edward McGinty from Vieira’s via ball to roll into an empty web. “Each and every participant needs to play,” added Nketiah. “I’m thankful for the alternatives and simply need to stay serving to the group.” Saka used to be then changed after receiving remedy in regarding scenes for Arsenal, however there used to be some solace within the go back of Emile Smith Rowe for the primary time since September.
Nketiah added his 2d of the night time with some other cheeky end as he dinked the ball over McGinty from Martinelli’s cross 14 mins from time. A far harder check awaits within the subsequent around when the Premier League’s most sensible two will pass head-to-head on the Etihad at the ultimate weekend of January. – AFP