As third round ties go this went by the numbers. Oxford United gave Arsenal a game for an hour, without threatening to make things more interesting than that, and could draw on enough positives to hope for a bright end to their third-tier campaign. The Premier League leaders eventually bucked up and picked them off with three goals in 13 minutes, meaning this went down as a job well done and banishing the looming spectre of a replay.
All three of Arsenal’s goals were created by Fabio Vieira, whose display epitomised that of the collective. Nothing went right for the Portuguese schemer, who is expected to impress on his rare starting gigs as Martin Ødegaard’s deputy, before half-time but he was ultimately their matchwinner. A devilish free-kick delivery gave Mohamed Elneny the opener on a plate before two slide-rule passes let Eddie Nketiah put matters beyond doubt with the kinds of finish that are his stock in trade.
Written by Nick Ames at Kassam Stadium
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/09/oxford-united-arsenal-fa-cup-third-round-match-report under the title “Nketiah doubles up as Arsenal run away from Oxford in second half”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
