Arsenal 2-0 Middlesbrough
The FA Cup
Fifth Round Proper
Sunday 15 February
Emirates Stadium
Winners receive £180,000 from FA Prize Fund
Two goals in as many minutes from Olivier Giroud helped FA Cup holders Arsenal progress to this season’s Sixth Round at the expense of Middlesbrough.
The Frenchman was on-hand to convert Kieran Gibbs’s low cross after 27 minutes - and he doubled the lead before the half-hour mark, neatly turning home an Alexis Sanchez corner at the near post.
Championship leaders Middlesbrough stunned Manchester City in Round Four but they were no match for the Gunners at the Emirates.
The visitors held firm for 30 minutes but Arsene Wenger’s men dominated the play from first to last and are in the hat for Monday’s quarter-final draw.
Arsenal assumed control immediately and Santi Cazorla, the Gunners’ captain for the day, called Tomas Mejias into action early on, as the former Real Madrid keeper was required to turn his compatriot’s 20-yard free-kick behind for a corner.
Giroud capitalised after Boro conceded possession in their own half, but hit his shot straight down the centre. He was to be more accurate with his next effort.
Some typically neat build-up play from Arsenal was rewarded when Cazorla played in Gibbs down the left and the England full-back’s low centre was prodded home by Giroud.
Aitor Karanka’s side have the meanest defence in the Championship, having conceded just 20 goals in 30 matches, but they switched off at an Arsenal corner and were duly punished.
Some quick-thinking by Giroud allowed him to get a run on George Friend and he nipped ahead of Kike at the near post to sweep in a sumptuous second. It was no more than Arsenal deserved for their first-half dominance.
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