Emile Smith Rowe was Arsenal’s hero as his extra-time strike helped them safe a 2-Zero win at residence to Newcastle within the FA Cup.
The ‘Croydon De Bruyne’ drilled the ball in-off the submit to interrupt the impasse earlier than Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang added one other within the closing levels.
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Nevertheless, the tie was shaping as much as be a lot worse for the holders than it turned out to be, with Smith Rowe being proven a crimson card simply earlier than the tip of regular time.
It got here after Sean Longstaff was felled by Smith Rowe, who was promptly despatched off by referee Chris Kavanagh earlier than VAR got here to his rescue and the choice was overturned.
This was moments after Andy Carroll missed a wonderful likelihood to win it in stoppage-time however Bernd Leno was equal to the Newcastle frontman’s effort.
There was a setback for the Gunners earlier than the tie even began, with Gabriel Martinelli withdrawing from the crew after sustaining a nasty-looking harm throughout the warm-up.
It was the guests who loved the higher of the play within the opening exchanges and though Aubameyang compelled the returning Martin Dubravka into a superb save halfway via the half, he would have been deemed offside by VAR.
A greater likelihood was created quickly after by Kieran Tierney, however Reiss Nelson determined to regulate his cut-back and the chance went begging.
Whereas Arsenal started to dominate, they nonetheless struggled to penetrate an organised Newcastle again 5 although Carroll was required to make two well timed clearances from harmful balls into the world earlier than half-time.
Following a lacklustre first 45, when captain Aubameyang touched the ball solely 18 occasions whereas enjoying in his favoured central place, it was a shock to see the away aspect make the primary change.
Skipper Jamaal Lascelles, who made his first look since November 21 after recovering from coronavirus, was changed by Matt Ritchie and the substitute slotted in at left wing-back.
Gunners supervisor Arteta had already seen sufficient by the point Carroll fired a wonderful alternative broad 11 minutes into the second interval.
David Luiz’s clearance was poor and Jeff Hendrick’s scuffed shot got here to the Magpies ahead, however he side-footed previous the submit from six yards and Smith Rowe was lastly in a position to enter the fray.
Arsenal ought to have damaged the impasse on the hour mark, however Aubameyang once more didn’t have the Midas contact in entrance of objective and poked broad with solely Dubravka to beat.
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Newcastle’s goalkeeper was making his first look of the season following a heel harm and was required minutes later to maintain out Joe Willock’s close-range header.
It was the midfielder’s final involvement following a double substitution with Bukayo Saka and Granit Xhaka launched and the modifications labored, with Aubameyang extra outstanding, however Bruce’s aspect nearly clinched victory on the finish of the 90.
With outcomes selected the day at this stage of the competitors, each groups pushed for a winner and a fast break by the guests noticed Elliot Anderson’s shot fall for Carroll and but Bernd Leno saved effectively and bravely pushed away the unfastened ball earlier than the ahead may rating the rebound.
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The stoppage-time drama was not over, with substitute Smith Rowe proven a crimson card for a excessive deal with on Sean Longstaff – however referee Chris Kavanagh downgraded his determination to a yellow after he used the pitchside monitor.
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Xhaka compelled Dubravka into an exquisite save from his fierce volley early within the first half of additional time earlier than the opener arrived.
Arteta noticed three of his substitutes mix, with Saka concerned earlier than Alexandre Lacazette headed into Smith Rowe’s path and the playmaker fired into the underside nook.
There was nonetheless time for Aubameyang to seize solely his sixth of the season eight minutes later when he tapped in Tierney’s centre to ship the holders into the fourth spherical.
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