Smith Rowe and Auba lead Arsenal to the 4th round, Man Utd get through Watford

FA Cup holders Arsenal began a title defence with an extra-time victory over Newcastle in FA Cup’s third-round game while Scott McTominay’s early goal against Watford became decisive for Manchester United.

Both Arsenal and Newcastle United had goal chances during normal time but visitors were closer to open the scoring at Emirates. With two minutes of normal time to go, Newcastle players created a perfect opportunity for the striker Andy Carroll, yet Bernt Leno superbly saved his shot from the six-yard box.

As the match drifted towards full time, 56th-minute substitute Emile Smith Rowe saw red after a foul on The Magpie’s midfielder Sean Longstaff. After a VAR review, referee Chris Kavanagh overturned his sending off to a yellow. In the 109th minute, visitors lost possession, and Smith Rowe turned Lacazette’s pass into the opener. In the 118th minute, Kieran Tierney’s cross set up Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang for the second goal.

Unlike at Emirates, Manchester United’s clash against Watford saw an early goal. After a couple of efforts came from the left wing, won a corner for Alex Telless to assist Scott McTominay who headed past Daniel Bachmann in the 6th minute. Watford’s defender Adam Masina had a chance to equalize quite soon, but his shot was blocked by the goalkeeper Dean Henderson. Should Juan Mata use a brilliant chance, it could be 2-0 for Solskjaer’s side before half-time. United could also score a hatful in the second half, but Bachmann blocked shots by Daniel James and Marcus Rashford. 

Some other FA Cup’s third round results:

Everton 2 – 1 Rotherham

Stoke City 0 – 4 Leicester City

Queens Park Rangers 0 – 2 Fulham

Southampton 0 – 0 Shrewsbury

• Liverpool had previously reached the fourth round after a 4-1 win over Aston Villa.
• Eight matches are scheduled for tomorrow, January 10. Manchester City will host 2010-11 winners Birmingham City while Chelsea will play against the League Two side Morecambe.
• Tottenham will face Northern Premier League’ Marine. Speaking of his expectations, Jose Mourinho said he understands Marine’s dream yet his team are determined to ‘bring them back into reality’.
• The FA Cup fourth and fifth-round draw will take place on Monday, January 11.