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Sunday, 16 February 2014

FA Cup: Arsenal Defeats Liverpool, Qualifies For The 6th Round

Arsenal v Liverpool

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's first half goal and another from Lukas Podoski gave Arsenal a much needed win over Liverpool to qualify for the 6th round of the English FA cup.

The Gunners put-up a spirited display to restore their pride after they were pummeled 5-1 by Liverpool in the Premier League just 8 days ago at Anfield, scoring early in both half before conceding a penalty mid way into the second half which Gerrard coolly tucked away to reduce the deficit to one and open the game.
With the visit of current European champion, Bayern Munich at hand, Arsene Wenger rested some of his players - Yaya Sanogo was handed his first start in English football with Giroud taking a place on the bench, Sagna was also left out while Jenkinson takes his place, Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla both sat on the bench for Podolski and Flamini who just served out his three match ban while on the starting line-up.

Liverpool made little changes to the side that defeated Arsenal over the weekend, fit again Daniel Agger started ahead of Kolo Toure, Simon Mignolet, and Jordan Henderson  were also left on the bench while Joe Allen and Bradley Jones took their place.

Sturridge had an early chance to put Liverpool ahead but Fabianski was quick to get to the ground to save his right footed shot.

Minutes later, Sturridge was the culprit again as he collected a through ball from Suarez and looked to have rounded Fabianski but an outstretched hand from the Arsenal goalie was good enough to pull a spectacular save.

Following series of missed chances, Liverpool were left to lick their wound as Oxlade Chamberlain shoot past Jones as the ball fell gracefully to him after a scrabble in the box from a Mesut Ozil's free-kick.

Arsenal defended well there after as they were pecked back by Liverpool who were out for an equalizer.

Suarez's shot was saved two minutes from the end of the first half to preserve the hosts lead going into half time

With just 2 minutes after the restart, Chamberlain turned provider for Arsenals second of the game.

Oxlade Chamberlain went free on the right and ran into the box with the ball before releasing a cut back pass into the part of Lukas Podolski in the middle of the box to lash on into the net.

Liverpool however got back into the game has Podolski was adjudged to have fouled Suarez in the box an captain Steven Gerrard stepped forward to convert sending Fabianski in the wrong direction.

Minutes later Referee, Howard Webb game a goal kick decision in-place of a penalty as Suarez was again believed to have been fouled by Chamberlain.

Cazorla who came in for Podolski should have extended Arsenal's lead but He ballooned his shot way over the bar. 

The win is a sweet revenge for the Londoners and they next play Everton on the weekend of March 8 at the Emirate in the 6th round of the FA Cup. 

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