Arsenal avoided an FA Cup giant-killing and spared manager Arsene Wenger further pressure with a hard-fought fifth-round victory over non-league Sutton United at Gander Green Lane.
Wenger made seven changes from the side thrashed 5-1 at Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie – and his players had enough to see off a team 105 places below them on English football’s ladder.
Lucas Perez’s cross-shot gave Arsenal the lead after 26 minutes and Theo Walcott doubled the advantage from close range 10 minutes after the break with his 100th goal for the club.
Victory set up a home quarter-final with another National League side, Lincoln City, who beat Burnley on Saturday.
Sutton had their moments, particularly when Adam May wasted a first-half chance from keeper David Ospina’s poor clearance, and Roarie Deacon’s fierce 25-yard drive struck the bar in the second half.
The result may have gone against them but the hosts emerged from this tie, and this FA Cup run, with huge credit.
-Arsenal get the job done-
Arsenal were on a hiding to nothing after a turbulent week in the wake of their Champions League mauling in Munich, which leaves them on the brink of elimination in the last 16 once more.
The Gunners walked out here with speculation mounting over the future of Wenger and familiar questions being asked about Arsenal’s stomach for the fight when the season reaches its pressure points.
??? Massive congratulations to @theowalcott – the 18th player in our history to reach ? Arsenal goals ⚽#Theo100 pic.twitter.com/fTdwbSmHPP
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) February 20, 2017
Their performance was uncertain and hardly designed to banish the criticism, although allowances must be made for a tricky artificial surface that was heavily saturated before kick-off and again at half-time.
It was simply a question of getting the job done and avoiding embarrassment. There was never going to be any credit in this for Arsenal. And on that basis this can be judged a satisfactory night.
-Respite for Wenger-
Wenger’s troubles were illustrated by the swarm of photographers that surrounded his dugout when he made his entrance – usually the sign of a manager under scrutiny.
The Frenchman, like his players, just needed to get out of Gander Green Lane unscathed and not fall victim to any further humiliation after the harrowing encounter in Munich’s Allianz Arena.
This was not a sparkling Arsenal show but they now have what looks like an inviting path to Wembley.
Lincoln may have ousted Burnley, but it takes a huge leap of the imagination to see them denying Arsenal and Wenger a place in the FA Cup semi-finals.
Arsenal still have the chance to add to their tally of 12 FA Cup wins – and Wenger to his total of six.
Sutton do themselves proud
Sutton United’s FA Cup adventure may have ended at the fifth round – but the club, players and staff will have stories that will be part of their history forever.
They are struggling to make an impact in English football’s fifth tier but have left an indelible mark on this year’s FA Cup with their victory here against Championship giants Leeds United and this meeting with a member of the Premier League elite.
Inevitably, they did not possess the class to rattle Arsenal for long periods but they stuck to their task and even had moments when they gave the Gunners serious concerns in the first half, notably when May failed to take advantage of Ospina’s poor clearance.
And even when Walcott gave Arsenal a two-goal advantage, Sutton refused to go quietly, as Jamie Collins headed narrowly over and Deacon rattled the woodwork.
The fairytale was unlikely to materialise but Sutton’s approach to the game, not just the team but the entire club, did them great credit.
The atmosphere was buzzing hours before kick-off, the organisation was excellent and everyone entered into the spirit of what was, for them, a huge occasion.
Sutton now return to the more routine business of a trip to Torquay United next weekend before welcoming Boreham Wood.
It was a shame a rather pointless pitch invasion at the end was allowed to linger, but this should be placed in context. The moment of glory may have passed but the memories will remain.
Walcott loves the FA Cup – the stats
- Walcott became the 18th player to score 100 goals in all competitions for Arsenal.
- Walcott has scored six times in his past three away FA Cup games for the Gunners.
- Arsenal have won 10 and lost none of their past 12 FA Cup matches against non-league sides.
- The Gunners have reached the sixth round for the fourth season in a row; a feat they last achieved in 2005 (five in succession).
- Arsenal have lost just one of their past 20 FA Cup games, winning 17 (D2 L1).
- Sutton United have won as many FA Cup games (excluding qualifiers) this season (four), as QPR have in the past 20 years.
- Sutton midfielder Nicky Bailey made more tackles (eight) and interceptions (six) than any other player.
