Arsenal withstand Liverpool pressure to advance in FA Cup

FA Cup 5th Round
Sunday 16 February 2014 - 4:00 pm
Emirates Stadium
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1Liverpool
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Arsenal gained some revenge on Liverpool's 5-1 victory by knocking the Anfield men out of this season's FA Cup.

Only a week earlier the reds had brushed the Londoners aside on a glorious early afternoon on Merseyside - but despite Liverpool's best efforts, and thanks in no small part to some comedy refereeing, Arsenal survived a decent display by Liverpool in the capital.

Whilst Liverpool do appear to be making progress in the league, Brendan Rodgers reign has not been tinged with extensive cup campaigns. Two years ago Liverpool travelled to Wembley three times within a couple of months.  That flurry of activity has made the past two years absence make the heart grow fonder and the wait will continue for at least another year.

Brad Jones, Daniel Agger and Joe Allen were all brought into the side - Mignolet, Kolo Toure and Henderson making room.

Daniel Sturridge had some great chances in a frenetic LFC start to the game - his shooting was off target though as first he fired at Fabianski before then finding the side netting.

Arsenal garnered themselves some corners as they got a handle on the game, and Oxlade Chamberlain fired them in front after a quarter of an hour.

Suarez had some chances to level but Liverpool suffered the worst possible start to the second half when early on Chamberlain crossed in for Podolski to give Arsenal a two goal cushion.

Podolski brought Suarez down in the box on the hour - Gerrard stepping up and putting the penalty away to give Liverpool a chance of getting back into the game.

Liverpool dominated the final period of the game but just couldn't force the equaliser.  Howard Webb, just yards away, failed to award a clear cut penalty when Oxlade Chamberlain came out and clattered Suarez inside the box.

Arsenal can now enjoy a home fixture against Everton in the next round - a prospect that would have had Liverpool fans licking their lips as a bye into the semi final.

But it was not to be.

Liverpool now have full focus on the 12 remaining Premier League games, and once again - must spend time learning the lessons of another failure to keep a clean sheet.

Swansea are the visitors to Anfield this coming weekend.

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