Preston North End 1 Arsenal 2

Olivier Giroud was the man of the moment yet again with a late strike to take us into the fourth round of the cup.

Preston were quicker out of the blocks and deservedly took the lead when Callum Robinson pounced on a loose ball following fine work from Aiden McGeady.

But we righted the wrongs of a below-par first-half display, Aaron Ramsey lashing a shot into the top corner just 50 seconds after the restart.

It looked like we’d need a replay back at the Emirates but Giroud - captaining the side for the first time - stepped up at the end to convert Lucas' backheel.

The France striker has now scored four times in the final four minutes of fixtures this season to salvage some sticky situations.

Thanks to Giroud this rollicking third-round tie had a happy ending after its horror start.

And there was further good news - Danny Welbeck making his return after eight months out.
 

News by Arsenal.com

Read more at http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/1617/post/first-team/preston-north-end-1-2-arsenal-report#tu5Ie1rVUwILrZkw.99