Emile Smith Rowe has been billed as the “difference maker” by no less an authority than Mesut Özil in the past week and he lived up to his reputation in style with a decisive goal 11 minutes from the end of extra time. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang added another and it means Arsenal can still dream of retaining the FA Cup while Newcastle, who twice missed golden chances to steal the tie through Andy Carroll, will have to content themselves with keeping a relegation battle at arm’s length.
Both sides had initially made seven changes after their endeavours over the holiday period but Arsenal were forced into an unwanted eighth before kick-off. Gabriel Martinelli had hoped to build on last month’s high-energy return from injury but, after clearing the ball during a routine warm-up exercise, landed heavily and appeared to roll his ankle. The forward was clearly in pain and, while he was able to walk down the tunnel after receiving treatment, no chances were taken with his condition. Reiss Nelson, who scored the winner here in last season’s third-round tie against Leeds, received an unexpected opportunity of his own.
Related: Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle (aet): FA Cup third round – live!
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