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Preston North End vs. Arsenal: Score and Reaction from 2017 FA Cup
- Updated: January 7, 2017
Preston North End almost caused the shock of the 2017 FA Cup third round, as they took the lead against Arsenal at the Deepdale Stadium but lost 2-1 after a last-minute strike by Olivier Giroud on Saturday.
The pulsating cup tie saw the hosts take the lead as Arsenal struggled, but two second-half efforts rescued the Gunners from embarrassment.
A shock goal from Callum Robinson gave Preston the lead after Arsenal’s defence collapsed in the seventh minute, and the scorer benefited from a significant deflection as the ball hit the Gunners’ net.
Arsenal levelled the game just 50 second into the second half. Aaron Ramsey made no mistake as his shot from outside the box found the net.
It was left to Giroud to have the final word once again, as he has in recent matches, and the France international earned the win in the closing seconds.
As expected, Arsenal Wenger took the opportunity to rotate his first team, omitting Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil from the squad. Danny Welbeck returned to the team after an eight-month injury layoff and took his place on the substitute bench.
Marnick Vermijl replaced Bailey Wright in defence for the Lilywhites, while Aiden McGeady got the nod ahead of Eoin Doyle.
The home crowd was soon in full voice after the opening moments of the match. Arsenal were all at sea as Preston grabbed an advantage through Robinson.
The Gunners defence were inadequate as the hosts attacked, and their calamitous decision-making opened the door for Preston.
Presenter Gary Lineker tipped his hat to the goalscorer:
And here’s to you Mr Robinson. Preston lead and Arsene Wenger’s astonishing 20 year record of never losing in FA Cup 3rd round is threatened
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) January 7, 2017
Preston continued to push forward and should have had a second as they penetrated with surprising ease, but the visitors resisted the hosts’ best efforts through luck more than judgment.
Wenger appeared disconcerted as his side trudged off at half-time, per BT Sport:
Wenger’s expression tells the story of the first half for @Arsenal. …
