FA Cup

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      FA to probe Ciaron Brown’s phone, texts & social media amid suspicious betting investigation in Oxford clash vs Arsenal

      by

      THE FA will look into Oxford defender Ciaron Brown’s phone and social media activity as part of their probe into possible spot-fixing, according to reports.An investigation was launched by the football governing body amid suspicious betting activity on the FA Cup third-round tie with Arsenal.
      Ciaron Brown’s phone could be investigated amid a suspicious betting probe by the FACredit: Getty
      The Oxford defender was booked in the 59th minute against ArsenalCredit: Reuters
      It was reported the FA were made aware with evidence presented to them after full-time.
      And that evidence is said to include WhatsApp messages claiming Brown would definitely be booked during the match.
      The Northern Ireland left-back, 24, was cautioned in the 59th minute after fouling Eddie Nketiah and tussling with Fabio Vieira.
      Earlier on in the match, which Arsenal won 3-0, he escaped punishment for pulling down Gunners pair Bukayo Saka and catching Takehiro Tomiyasu.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      Now according to the Daily Mail, the FA have the power to interview all related parties and access to their devices.
      It is said they want to start by examining Brown’s phone to review calls, texts and his social media.
      Some supporters have claimed to the Mail they won thousands of pounds with Brown’s second-half yellow card with odds of 8-1.
      And there were suggestions that even a number of Arsenal fans celebrated their winnings when he was cautioned – although there is no suggestion they were involved in any criminal activity.
      Most read in FA Cup
      However, some bookmakers have so far refused to pay out due to the alleged suspicious volume of bets on the market in the hours building up to kick off which prompted the odds to drop to 7-2.
      Some experts believe the market was overpriced for a League One defender to get booked against the attack of the Premier League leaders and punters took advantage.
      However, others claim the betting pattern is questionable and should be investigated fully.
      Oxford said: “‘Oxford United can confirm that they have been made aware of a specific allegation of irregular betting around our Emirates FA Cup game against Arsenal on Monday evening,
      “The club will co-operate fully with any investigation and while this is ongoing, we are unable to make any further comment.” More

    • 250 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea could have played Man City TEN TIMES and still not scored as hopeless Blues record lowest XG in years

      by

      CHELSEA’S lack of attacking threat against Manchester City has led to an unnerving statistic.The Blues were beaten convincing 4-0 by the Citizens in the FA Cup on Sunday and only registered 0.09 expected goals (XG) in their favour.
      Chelsea’s attackers, including Kai Havertz, only mustered an xg of 0.09 against Manchester City on SundayCredit: Reuters
      The statistic is based on the chances created by a side and how likely they would be to score them on average.
      It is calculated on a few differing parts, which include the type of assist if the shot was with a head or foot as well as the angle and distance of the effort.
      Chelsea’s low XG stat was the club’s lowest for five seasons across all competitions.
      The biggest concern about Chelsea’s record is that it would have taken more than ten games for them to have scored an actual goal based on the statistic.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      During the game, Manchester City registered an XG of 2.82 and managed to overperform it by 1.18 goals.
      Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer slammed the Blues for their blunt attack during the first half of the game.
      He said: “From a Chelsea point of view, that is not acceptable that performance.
      “I said they needed some energy, character, all of those things.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      “Going forward its been so bad. They’ve been nothing short of pathetic in forward positions.
      “Where’s the movement? They’ve had nothing up front at all. Everything has been sideways or even backwards.
      “They’ve got to give the fans something now, show they care about this football club, because that 45 minutes was not acceptable.”
      Manager Graham Potter will be hoping the arrival of Joao Felix on loan from Atletico Madrid will add some much-needed firepower. More

    • 188 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Cheeky supporter offers Walsall player free subscription to his wife’s OnlyFans after FA Cup heroics

      by

      A FOOTBALL supporter has offered Walsall player Tom Knowles a free subscription to his wife’s OnlyFans after his FA Cup heroics. The League Two side reached round four after beating Stockport 2-1.
      Tom Knowles celebrates after the team’s victory over StockportCredit: Getty
      ‘Cheffie Scott’, above with wife Melody, has offered Walsall player Tom Knowles a free subscription to her OnlyFans account
      OnlyFans star Melody Pleasure
      Afterwards, Knowles tweeted: “These boys! What a win!!! Travelling fans were unbelievable yet again, enjoy!”
      It led to adult film actor and producer – who goes by the Twitter name of Cheffie Shot – giving Knowles an X-rated offer for his wife Melody Pleasure’s content.
      He tweeted: “You’ve earned a month subscription of my wife’s OnlyFans. Dm me to sort it out!”
      Knowles is yet to respond to the offer.
      READ MORE ON THE BEAUTIFUL GAME
      Walsall’s cup run comes as they sit 11th in the table but winning their two games in hand could lift them into the top four.
      They beat Stockport thanks to a last-gasp winner from the spot by substitute Andy Williams, who hailed his side’s character.
      He said: “I didn’t feel too bad, I think in the last game I was on penalties so I was more than confident enough to step up and take it.
      “I wasn’t sure whose name was on the board when Isaac asked for it, I wasn’t sure if it should have been him but no one told me otherwise so I was more than happy to take responsibility and I stuck it away and put us in the hat.
      Most read in FA Cup
      “It shows the character and togetherness of the group and that’s what we’re building here now and it’s a pleasure to be a part of.
      “It’s always tricky when you go 1-0 up in a game like that in the FA Cup, it’s hard not to sit back on it like we did but I think we defended it really well for large parts but just offered them too many chances in the end which got them back into the game but the character we showed.
      “We had so many chances to nick the win and I think it was more than just deserved.”
      Walsall’s Andy Williams celebrates scoring against StockportCredit: Reuters More

    • 175 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal clash with Oxford United in FA Cup being investigated over suspicious betting patterns

      by

      THE FA have reportedly opened an investigation into suspicious betting patterns surrounding Oxford United’s FA Cup third round defeat to Arsenal.League One Oxford were beaten 3-0 by the Gunners on Monday.
      The FA are reportedly investigating suspicious betting patterns from Oxford vs ArsenalCredit: Reuters
      The FA are now investigating allegations of suspicious betting patterns, according to the Daily Mail.
      Sky Sports say the FA are looking into evidence handed to them after the game.
      Mohamed Elneny gave Arsenal the lead just after the hour mark, before an Eddie Nketiah double settled the tie.
      Star man Bukayo Saka hobbled off in the 75th minute to spark injury concerns among Arsenal fans.
      Read More On Arsenal
      But boss Mikel Arteta confirmed the winger was “fine” following the 3-0 win.
      The Spaniard told ITV on Saka: “He’s fine, he was fine.”
      Premier League leaders Arsenal will now travel to Manchester City in a mouthwatering FA Cup fourth round tie later this month.
      Meanwhile Manchester United will take on Championship side Reading at Old Trafford.
      Most read in Football
      Arsenal’s bitter rivals Tottenham have also been handed Championship opposition.
      Spurs will travel to Deepdale to take on Preston North End.
      While the winners of the replay between Wolves and Liverpool face a trip to Brighton in the next round.
      FA Cup fourth round draw in full
      Preston North End vs Tottenham HotspurSouthampton vs BlackpoolWrexham vs Sheffield UnitedIpswich Town vs BurnleyManchester United vs ReadingLuton Town or Wigan Athletic vs Grimsby TownDerby County vs West Ham UnitedStoke vs StevenageBlackburn Rovers vs Forest Green Rovers or Birmingham CityWalsall vs Leicester CitySheffield Wednesday vs Fleetwood TownManchester City vs ArsenalBristol City or Swansea City vs Chesterfield or West BromBrighton & Hove Albion vs Liverpool or WolvesFulham vs SunderlandBoreham Wood or Accrington Stanley vs Cardiff City or Leeds More

    • 263 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Mikel Arteta goes wild on touchline AGAIN despite Arsenal being 3-0 up vs Oxford with Dixon calling him out for antics

      by

      MIKEL ARTETA went wild on the touchline again against Oxford – despite watching his Arsenal side cruise to victory. After an awkward first-half, a brace from Eddie Nketiah and a bullet header from Mohamed Elneny took the game away from the League 1 hosts.
      Mikel Arteta produced another eye-catching display on the touchline – even with Arsenal 3-0 upCredit: Getty
      From first-half frustration to second-half satisfaction, the Arsenal boss went through many emotions during the 90 minutes of actionCredit: Rex
      An impressive first-half showing from Karl Robinson’s side saw Arsenal have to fight to avoid an upset.
      And even though he watched the Gunners take a commanding 3-0 lead, boss Arteta grew increasingly animated and even caught the attention of co-commentator Lee Dixon.
      And the former Arsenal defender could not help but poke fun at the Spaniard, whose sideline antics has caused a stir among some fans.
      With the game winding to an end and Arteta frantically gesturing in front of the cameras, Dixon said: “[Arteta is] waving his arms about like he normally is.”
      READ MORE IN ARSENAL
      The pundit then added cheekily: “At least he has stayed in his technical area tonight.”
      The Arsenal boss had triggered a mixed reaction after putting on a show against Newcastle last week – and almost coming to blows with Eddie Howe.
      Arteta cut a frustrated and energetic figure as he watched Arsenal drop points in the league for the first time since October.
      Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness claimed the 40-year-old would have felt “embarrassed” watching back his antics the next day.
      Most read in FA Cup
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Alan Shearer was also less than impressed with what he saw.
      But the Gunners gaffer said he would refuse to change his ways.
      Ahead of the FA Cup tie, He said: “I haven’t read the criticism of my behaviour and I am not part of that debate.
      “They can all have their opinions but I will always try to do my best for this football club, to defend my players.
      “And I will always have the passion that I believe the game has to be played with. But that’s me. That’s the way I am, on and off the pitch, for the good and the bad.”
      Some Arsenal fans love Arteta’s fired-up behaviour on the sidelinesCredit: Getty
      Arteta rested some first-team stars for the trip to the Kassam StadiumCredit: Getty More

    • 200 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal player ratings: Vieira stakes claim for first-team spot, Nketiah scores again but Lokonga fluffs chance

      by

      ARSENAL swept aside League 1 Oxford as they got their FA Cup campaign up and running. The Gunners struggled in the first-half and fans may have been fearing a repeat of last year’s third round calamity at Nottingham Forest.
      Eddie Nketiah had another two goals to add to his lot this eveningCredit: Getty
      Vieira impressed with his key contributions from midfieldCredit: Dan Weir / MatchDay Images Limited
      But Mikel Arteta’s side got their act together and outclassed Oxford.
      Mohamed Elneny powered home a header after the hour mark from Fabio Vieira’s free-kick.
      Before two brilliantly taken goals from Eddie Nketiah sealed passage to the fourth round.
      Up next will be Manchester City in a mouth-watering cup-clash.

      SunSport’s Kiro Evans runs through who impressed, and who didn’t, for Arsenal tonight.
      Matt Turner – 7
      The American had to come storming off his line to charge down Matty Taylor at the beginning of the second-half.
      Apart from a couple of nervy moments in possession in the first 45, it was a straightforward evening for the back-up keeper.
      Takehiro Tomiyasu – 6
      Not always the most attacking full-back but Tomiyasu made some decent overlaps down the right of Bukayo Saka in search of an opening.
      Most read in FA Cup
      More memorably he caused chaos in the box for Oxford keeper Edward McGinty during corners.
      Rob Holding – 6
      Not always comfortable in possession but enjoyed a decent night deputising for William Saliba.
      More opportunities should beckon for the defender with the Europa League knock-outs quickly approaching.
      Gabriel – 7
      Spent far too much time with the ball at his feet in the first-half as Arsenal coasted.
      But looked steady at the back otherwise and made a couple of key interceptions and defensive headers.
      Kieran Tierney – 5
      Struggled to impose himself in the game and did not do enough going forward to worry Oxford.
      It was unsurprising to see him taken off after an hour.
      Elneny’s well-taken header provided the all-important breakthroughCredit: Reuters
      Mohamed Elneny – 7
      The Egyptian was not enjoying easiest game against Oxford’s robust midfield but got the breakthrough with a bullet header in the second-half.
      It was a nice moment for Elneny who struggled to replicate the dominance and control that either Granit Xhaka or Thomas Partey exercise in the Premier League.
      Albert Sambi Lokonga – 5
      The Belgian midfielder had a good argument for a penalty after his first-half shot appeared to hit the hand of the sliding Elliot Moore.
      But otherwise his performance bordered on the weak and ineffective and it remains difficult to work out what exactly he excels at in midfield.
      Fabio Vieira – 9
      The midfielder was Martin Odegaard’s replacement in midfield and was tasked with providing the creative spark – which he eventually did.
      After a quiet 45, he created a great opening for Bukayo Saka early in the second-half and then whipped in a brilliant free-kick to provide the opener.
      And then he put a fantastic ball on a plate for Bukayo Saka to put the game beyond doubt. Arteta will be watching closely.
      Bukayo Saka – 5
      Uncharacteristically quiet in the opening 45 and overall did not seem like himself.
      Walked off awkwardly in the second-half after 75 minutes of tangling with by aggressive Oxford defenders.
      Eddie Nketiah – 9
      Eddie Nketiah is not Gabriel Jesus. It’s a fact he will be regularly reminded of if he spends more than a minute on Twitter.
      However, not being Jesus is not always a bad thing. Unlike the Brazilian, the 23-year-old is consistently deadly in front of goal.
      Two brilliantly taken chances put this game to bed and underlined Nketiah’s skill of picking up dangerous positions and poaching goals with regularity.
      Eddie Nketiah has had to step in and fill big, Brazilian boots but has regularly found his goal touchCredit: Getty
      Gabriel Martinelli – 6
      Threatened to explode into life on multiple occasions but Oxford managed to re-apply the shackles before any damage was done.
      Ultimately would have wanted to contribute more.
      Subs
      Oleksandr Zinchenko (for Tierney, 60mins) – 7
      A decent appearance off the bench as he kept things steady and helped Arsenal control the ball.
      Granit Xhaka (for Lokonga, 60mins) – 7
      After watching Arsenal flounder for an hour, Granit Xhaka came off the bench and all seemed right for the Gunners again.
      He took control of the midfield and suddenly Oxford looked far less comfortable bossing the Premier League leaders around.
      Emile Smith Rowe (for Saka, 74 mins) – 6
      How good was it to see Emile Smith Rowe back? The midfielder has missed most of the season with injury but returned off the bench at the Kassam Stadium.
      And he almost scored on his comeback but had to watch his effort get deflected wide.
      Read More on The Sun
      Ben White (for Tomiyasu, 81 mins) – 6
      Did not get the chance to do much in his small cameo appearance.
      Marquinhos (for Vieira, 81 mins) – 6
      Off the bench late and did not find the time to make an impact with the game wrapped up. More

    • 213 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Oxford 0-3 Arsenal LIVE RESULT: Gunners set up Man City FA Cup 4th round clash – latest

      by

      ARSENAL will face Manchester City in the FA Cup next after beating Oxford 3-0.Mohamed Elneny headed the Prem table-toppers in front in what had been a frustrating night against the League One side.
      Before Eddie Nketiah scored a double with two stunning finishes to put the game out of the League One side’s reach.
      The Etihad awaits now for the fourth round as the Prem’s top two face each other.

      Kick-off: 8pm
      TV channel: ITV 1
      Live stream: ITV X
      Oxford XI: McGinty, Anderson, Moore, Long, Brown, McGuane, Bate, Brannagan, Bodin, Taylor, Murphy
      Arsenal XI: Turner, Tomiyasu, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney, Elneny, Lokonga, Vieira, Saka, Martinelli, Nketiah

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
      Thanks for joining me!
      At one stage it looked as if the conditions might be right for a famous giant killing but in the end Arsenal flexed their Premier League muscles and took control of the contest after the hour mark.
      The Gunners scored three goals in 13 second half minutes to take the game away from their League One opponents.  
      Before then, Oxford had caused Arsenal all sorts of problems, especially during the first half, by not allowing them any time on the ball and with a bit of quality up front they could have hurt their opponents.
      Next up for the U’s is a trip to Lancashire to face a Fleetwood Town side who are separated from them by goal difference alone.
      Arsenal progress into the fourth round where they will face Manchester City at the Etihad towards the end of January.
      For now though, the Gunners turn their attention to a North London showdown with Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday in a game where a victory for either side will put a big dent in their opponent’s season.   
      Following that, Mikel Arteta’s team will host the Premier League’s most in-form team, Manchester United.
      We will certainly learn a lot about this Arsenal team over the next few weeks.
      Until then all that’s left for me to say is thanks for joining me and I look forward to speaking to you next time!
      Karl Robinson
      The Oxford United head coach is feeling positive about what lies ahead for his team this season.
      We lost control of the game in the second half but my players did the football club proud.We do have good players and when we have our strongest team available we are exciting to watch. Karl Robinson ITV
      Impressive Oxford
      Karl Robinson’s side were impressive and certainly frustrated Arsenal, at least until the hour mark.
      In the end they just didn’t have the sort of quality in attacking areas that the Gunners were able to call upon.
      Oxford’s attention will now turn back to their league form where they need to find some consistency in results and performances.
      Arsenal fixtures
      Arsenal’s next five fixtures will go some way to proving whether they are good enough to be competing for the big honours come the end of the season.
      Mikel Arteta’s side face off against their North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday before games against Manchester United, Everton, Brentford and Manchester City.
      How they fare in those games will go some way to defining their season.

      Nketiah quotes
      Eddie Nketiah has been speaking to the media about his recent run of games after his two goals helped Arsenal progress into the next round.
      We knew it wasn’t going to be easy and we had to stay patient. Obviously every player wants to play and I just want to keep improving.Eddie NketiahITV
      Eddie Nketiah
      The Arsenal forward was handed a big new contract at the end of last season and he is starting to prove that it was money well spent for the North London club.
      While he would like to be considered as more than a back up, he has allowed Arsenal to navigate the absence of Gabriel Jesus without missing a beat.
      He scored two high quality goals tonight and will be full of confidence as a result.
      Match stats
      Arsenal run out as deserved winners in the end.

      Full Time: Oxford 0 – 3 Arsenal
      It’s all over at the Kassam Stadium.
      Arsenal go into the fourth round where they will face Manchester City at the Etihad.
      Stay with us for the post match reaction!
      Oxford 0 – 3 Arsenal
      90+1, Arsenal are just sitting off their opponents for the remaining couple of minutes.
      They know the job is done.
      Oxford 0 – 3 Arsenal
      90, Referee David Coote has decided that we’re going to play an additional two minutes here.
      Oxford 0 – 3 Arsenal
      87, The changes seem to have made all the difference for Arsenal here.
      They’ve been in total control of this match ever since Zinchenko and Xhaka entered the fray.
      Oxford 0 – 3 Arsenal
      85, Yet more bookkeeping for you!
      Johnson and Fleming are on for Oxford in place of McGuane and Brown.
      Phew! Everyone stay where they are for a few minutes please.
      Oxford 0 – 3 Arsenal
      81, Arteta makes another two changes.
      Ben White and Marquinhos have ben introduced as Tomiyasu and Fabio Vieira make way.
      Oxford 0 – 3 Arsenal
      80, A sign of rustiness on Emile Smith Rowe’s part perhaps as he wastes a good opportunity to score the Gunners’ fourth.
      Martinelli’s square ball finds him in acres of space inside the Oxford penalty area but his first touch lets him down and his shot eventually deflects wide for a corner.
      Oxford 0 – 3 Arsenal
      77, Karl Robinson makes two changes immediately after Arsenal score their third.
      Taylor and Bodin are off.
      Goodrham and O’Donkor are on.
      GOAL! Oxford 0 – 3 Arsenal
      76, Fantastic finish from Nektiah!
      The Arsenal forward is played in by Gabriel Martinelli but the finish from Nketiah is so cute.
      Nketiah just lifts the ball over the goalkeeper on the angle.
      Will he get his hat trick?

      Oxford 0 – 2 Arsenal
      74, Saka is down and receiving treatment from the Arsenal medical team.
      The Arsenal winger looks in some discomfort.
      Arteta is taking no chances and replaces him with Emile Smith-Rowe who comes on to make his first appearance in almost three months.
      GOAL! Oxford 0 – 2 Arsenal
      70, Nketiah doubles Arsenal’s lead!
      Oxford give the ball away cheaply in midfield and Vieira cleverly plays Nketiah in one-on-one with McGinty.
      The Arsenal forward touches the ball around the goalkeeper as he comes off his line and rolls the ball into the empty net.
      Game over for Oxford, surely?

      Oxford 0 – 1 Arsenal
      67, It looks an uphill battle for the home team now.
      But if Oxford can keep it to just one then they’ll fancy they can work one goalscoring opportunity for themselves before the full time whistle.
      GOAL! Oxford 0 – 1 Arsenal
      63, Elneny breaks the deadlock for the Gunners!
      A wicked delivery from a Fabio Vieira free-kick finds the unmarked Egyptian around five yards from goal.
      Elneny makes no mistake with his header as he directs it into the bottom corner, but to be honest he couldn’t really miss.

      Oxford 0 – 0 Arsenal
      60, Arteta makes two changes to his team as Xhaka and Zinchenko are introduced at the expense of Lokonga and Tierney.
      Karl Robinson also makes a change as Yanic-Sonny Wildschut comes on for Josh Murphy.
      Oxford 0 – 0 Arsenal
      58, A dangerous looking ball into the Arsenal box from Ciaron Brown looks like it’s going to drop right on the head of his teammate Sam Long but Gabriel just gets his head in there before the Oxford defender.
      Arteta has sent the Arsenal subs out to warm up.
      Oxford 0 – 0 Arsenal
      56, A corner kick for Arsenal from the far side almost finds its way straight into the Oxford goal.
      McGinty forces his way through a couple of Arsenal players to punch the ball away.
      Pressure building…

      Oxford 0 – 0 Arsenal
      54, Nketiah is making some good runs in behind the Oxford defence but none of his teammates have seen them.
      Tierney the guilty party this time.
      Oxford 0 – 0 Arsenal
      53, Whatever Mikel Arteta said to his team during the half time break, it hasn’t had the desired effect.
      The second half has taken on exactly the same pattern as the first 45.

      Load more entries… More

    • 288 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Oxford 0 Arsenal 3: Nketiah nets double as Vieira puts on masterclass to set up mouth watering FA Cup tie with Man City

      by

      THE FA Cup might be way down on Arsenal’s list of priorities this season but as the most successful team in the history of the competition they still have a genuine affection for the old trophy.And no one takes the tournament more seriously than manager Mikel Arteta, whose 2014 winners’ medal was arguably the highlight of his playing career.
      Mohamed Elneny put Arsenal in front with a rare goalCredit: Reuters
      Eddie Nketiah put Arsenal in complete control when he rounded the keeper to scoreCredit: Getty
      Nketiah scored a second with a brilliant dinked finishCredit: Getty
      Arsenal fans sang Fabio Vieira’s name after he produced two magnificent assistsCredit: Getty
      So even the prospect of a fourth-round trip to Manchester City was never going to take the gloss off this hard-fought victory as Arteta’s shadow squad graduated with honours at Oxford.
      Three goals in the space of 13 second-half minutes were enough to see off the League One minnows who gave their all but were never able to bridge the gulf in class.
      Now Arsenal head into Sunday’s North London derby on the back of a five-game unbeaten run and with their confidence sky high.
      And with England midfielder Emile Smith Rowe making his long-awaited return to action as a late sub, it was just about the perfect night for the Premier League leaders who are daring to dream that 2023 is going to be a special year.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      In a match which had the distinct feel of the Europa League about it, Arteta started with his strongest available front three with the aim of quickly putting the tie to bed.
      But the early breakthrough eluded the Premier League leaders as their makeshift midfield struggled to impose their authority on a well organised Oxford side.
      Just as in last season’s third-round tie at Nottingham Forest, Arteta had made seven changes in the belief that the quality of his squad players would be good enough to see them through.
      But they had been found sadly lacking in that embarrassing defeat at the City Ground when Arteta was so angry with the attitude of some of his players that he hauled Nuno Tavares off ten minutes before half-time.
      Most read in FA Cup
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      And there was no way the demanding Arsenal boss was going to tolerate such a half-hearted performance again exactly one year on from that Forest debacle.
      At least his players were willing to roll their sleeves up and slug it out with their lower league opponents this time.
      Takehiro Tomiyasu twice went down clutching his face after copping a wayward arm and Bukayo Saka was none too impressed by a challenge from full-back Ciaron Brown which caught him on the ankle.
      The very last thing Arteta needed was any further injuries to his paper-thin squad which is already starting to feel the pace with more than half of the season still to play.
      And his mood was not helped when his team were denied a huge penalty shout with their first meaningful shot of the evening.
      Albert Sambi Lokonga was absolutely convinced that his 34th-minute effort had struck Elliott Moore on the hand when the Oxford captain threw himself into the path of the ball to block.
      But ref David Coote was only prepared to award the visitors a corner and with no VAR available to help him out he was never going to overturn his decision.
      TV replays, though, suggested it was much more of a spot kick than the one which Arteta claimed had been “scandalously” denied his team against Newcastle last week.
      With white numbers on the back of their all-white strip worn to support their “No More Red” charity initiative against knife crime, Arsenal were almost unrecognisable in more ways than one.
      Their midfield was being bossed by Oxford’s Cameron Brannagan, an industrious Liverpool cast-off relishing the opportunity to prove himself against top level opposition.
      And Marcus McGuane, who had played with many of this Arsenal team in the Europa League five seasons ago, certainly didn’t look two divisions lower than his former colleagues.
      Despite dominating possession, the visitors were creating virtually nothing around the Oxford penalty area until Saka latched on to Fabio Vieira’s 55th-minute flick for a shot which was heading for the far corner until Lewis Bate booted clear.
      So it was little surprise when Arteta decided it was time to send on the cavalry, with Granit Xhaka and Oleksandr Zinchenko both being introduced on the hour to bring more purpose to their attacking play.
      It was a change which brought instant dividends when Vieira’s inviting 63rd-minute free-kick into the six-yard area was met with the firm header from Mohamed Elneny which it was crying out for.
      It has taken the lightweight Vieira quite some time to make his presence felt since his £34million move from Porto in the summer.
      But no one has ever doubted his ability on the ball and he underlined his quality with a slide rule pass which allowed Nketiah to go past keeper Eddie McGinty for a cool as you like finish in the 70th minute.
      Read More on The Sun
      And six minutes later it was all over for Oxford when Nketiah netted again, chipping one into the far corner from Gabriel Martinelli’s through ball.
      It was Nketiah’s fourth goal in four games since replacing the injured Gabriel Jesus to confirm Arteta’s belief that he has enough strength in depth to compete on more than one front this season. More