Eddie Nketiah scored twice as Arsenal defeated Oxford United 3-0 on Monday night to set up an FA Cup fourth-round clash away to Manchester City.
Mohamed Elneny’s header opened the floodgates at the Kassam Stadium after the Premier League leaders failed to make the breakthrough for over an hour.
23-year-old striker, Nketiah then sealed the win by taking his tally to four goals in as many 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.”
Arsenal were dominant in possession before the break but struggled to create any clear-cut chances and were further frustrated by the decision not to award a penalty for handball when Elliott Moore blocked Albert Sambi Lokonga’s effort.
Fabio Vieira was one of those not commonly in Arsenal’s starting line-up given a chance to shine and the Portuguese made his mark after the break with two assists.
The former Porto midfielder’s inviting free-kick was headed in powerfully by Elneny for the Egyptian’s first goal since 2021.
Nketiah then continued to make the most of his prolonged run in the side following Jesus’ injury.
The all-time top goalscorer for England’s under-21s coolly rounded Edward McGinty from Vieira’s through ball to roll 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.”
Nketiah added his second of the night with another cheeky finish as he dinked the ball over McGinty from Martinelli’s pass 14 minutes from time.
A much tougher test awaits in the next round when the Premier League’s top two will go head-to-head at the Etihad on the last weekend of January.
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