Arsenal's Nketiah Double Sends Gunners Into FA Cup Clash

After defeating third-tier Oxford United 3-0 on Monday, Arsenal advanced to the FA Cup fourth round against Manchester City. After the Premier League leaders had failed to create a breakthrough for nearly an hour, Mohamed Elneny's header opened the floodgates at the Kassam Stadium. Nketiah then secured the victory by making it four goals in four games since the World Cup break.

"We had to up the level as it wasn't good enough from us in the first half and I think we did that in the second," said Nketiah. "It's not the best draw but we're up for it."

In the absence of the injured Gabriel Jesus, Mikel Arteta picked a powerful lineup that included his favoured front three, with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli flanking Nketiah in attack.

Before the break, Arsenal dominated possession but struggled to produce clear-cut chances. They were further upset by the decision not to award a penalty for handball when Elliott Moore stopped Albert Sambi Lokonga's shot.

Fabio Vieira was one of those rarely frequently seen in Arteta's starting lineup given a chance to shine, and the Portuguese made his mark with two assists after the half. Elneny headed in powerfully from the former Porto midfielder's enticing free-kick for the Egyptian's first goal since 2021.

Nketiah then capitalized on his extended spell in the side following Jesus' injury. From Vieira's through ball, the all-time leading scorer for England's under-21s coolly rounded Edward McGinty and rolled into an empty net.

"Every player wants to play," added Nketiah. "I'm grateful for the opportunities and just want to keep helping the team."

Saka was subsequently replaced after undergoing treatment in upsetting scenes for Arsenal, but the return of Emile Smith Rowe for the first time since September provided some relief.

Nketiah scored his second goal of the night 14 minutes from time, with another clever finish over McGinty from Martinelli's assist. The next round will be a far tougher test, with the Premier League's top two meeting at the Etihad on the last weekend of January.