FA Cup wrap: Arsenal United through; Iheanacho on target for City

Holders Arsenal and title contenders Manchester City cruised to the fourth round of the FA Cup while misfiring Manchester United looked headed for an embarrassing replay against third-tier Sheffield United until captain Wayne Rooney’s stoppage time penalty spared their blushes.

It was only the second shot on target that United had all game against a team 47 places below them, renewing calls for the head of manager Louis van Gaal.

Wayne Rooney

His side seemed to have turned a corner last weekend when they beat Swansea City 2-1 to end an eight-game winless run, but they looked desperately short of ideas on their return to Old Trafford until Memphis Depay’s exaggerated dive after a Dean Hammond tackle in the box late on, with Rooney converting the ensuing penalty.

At the Emirates, Arsenal began their title defence with goals from Joel Campbell, Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud in a come-from-behind 3-1 win over Premier League strugglers Sunderland.

Sunderland took a 17th-minute lead at the Emirates Stadium through Jeremain Lens, but Campbell equalised eight minutes later before second-half goals by Ramsey and Giroud secured fourth round for Arsene Wenger’s side.

“It was a test for us to come from behind. There was a great mental response and there is a special solidarity in the team…I am very happy overall,” said Wenger, who has never lost a third-round tie.

Kelechi Iheanacho was on target for Man City. Image: Telegraph

Manchester City were 3-0 winners at Norwich City, where Sergio Aguero, Kelechi Iheanacho and substitute Kevin De Bruyne all found the back of the net.

Southampton fell 2-1 at home to Crystal palace with Wilfried Zaha getting the winning goal, while Troy Deeney punished a loose back-pass from Georginio Wijnaldum to give Watford a 1-0 home victory over Newcastle.

Credits: BBC, AFP