Giroud scores last-minute goal, Arsenal wins in FA Cup comeback

The French striker's 90th-minute goal helped the Gunners beat Championship side Preston North End 2-1 in the third round of the FA Cup.

This was the fourth consecutive match that Olivier Giroud scored. The 30-year-old striker's timely goals have often saved his team from falling victim to shocks, and this match was no different.

Preston North End opened the scoring in the seventh minute through Callum Robinson, after Arsenal left-back Nacho Monreal got out of position and allowed striker Jordan Hugill to pick out a through ball in the box, creating a mess before the ball fell to Robinson in a good position to finish.

Giroud once again saved Arsenal from a disappointing result. Photo: Reuters.

After the opening goal, the Championship team continued to create situations that made goalkeeper David Ospina struggle. In the 40th minute, the "Gunners" fans were shocked when Robinson put the ball into Ospina's net for the second time. However, the referee blew the whistle for Paul Huntington in the previous aerial challenge with Ospina. According to former player Robbie Savage, a commentator for the BBC, Huntington did not commit a foul and Preston North End was denied a valid goal.

On Arsenal’s side, after a number of missed chances, Aaron Ramsey also scored an equalizer early in the second half. It was a tricky shot with the right foot of the Welsh midfielder from the edge of the penalty area that left the home team’s goalkeeper rooted to the spot. Before that, Alex Iwobi had skillfully turned in the penalty area and passed to Ramsey.

Despite winning the match, Wenger appeared annoyed with his players' performance. Photo: Reuters.

In the 77th minute, it was Giroud's turn to have a goal disallowed. However, the French striker was clearly offside in this situation. In the 89th minute, Giroud headed the ball to Lucas Perez and then received a backheel pass from his teammate to score. This good coordination between the two Arsenal players helped the home team avoid a draw.

This was Arsene Wenger's 21st victory in 21 times he led Arsenal to participate in the third round of the FA Cup. However, the London team's defense played disappointingly, especially in the first half. In the Premier League match four days ago, against Bournemouth, Arsenal also let their opponents lead 0-3 due to defensive mistakes and then equalized 3-3 in the end.

According to VNE