Arsenal Vs Lincoln City: Recap, Highlights And Analysis

Arsenal hosted Lincoln City on Saturday evening in the fifth round of the FA Cup. Here is the full recap, highlights and analysis from the 5-0 win.

It was a consummate win for Arsenal in the end. While there were moments in the first half in which Lincoln City looked the more accomplished team, ultimately, the class of the Premier League team shone through. Arsene Wenger showed respect to the non-league club, playing a full strength XI and, after a first half filled with doubt and nervousness, eventually saw his side run out comfortable victors.

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The first half started with Lincoln on top. They dominated possession for the opening 10 minutes with Arsenal failing to gain a foothold in the game. However, as time passed, Granit Xhaka was able to dictate play with more authority, Theo Walcott became more and more prominent, while the late runs of Aaron Ramsey into the box engineered a number of opportunities that he proceeded to spurn.

The first goal came just before the break and it was rather fortunate. The ball fell to Olivier Giroud in the box. He brought the ball down, attempted to lay it off for Kieran Gibbs. The ball squirmed through to Theo Walcott who, after a neat one-two with Gibbs, side-footed a shot that deflected into the far corner.

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The goal was the crucial turning point in the game as Arsenal proceeded to open up the Lincoln defence with ruthless efficiency.

The second goal came through the right foot of Olivier Giroud. After neat work between Sanchez and Hector Bellerin released the Spanish full-back to the byline, the ball was pulled square to the Frenchman to steer home and end the tie.

Sanchez was again at the heart of the third goal, with a lovely backheel to release Kieran Gibbs down the left flank. A fired, low cross across the six-yard box ricocheted of unfortunate Lincoln defender, Luke Waterfall, before rolling into the gaping net.

It wasn’t long until the fourth came and once again, it was Alexis Sanchez that was the creator. This time, though, he was also the finisher of the move. He drove past the hapless full-back, surging through a tight gap to leave him on the edge of the area, before caressing a beautifully curled shot into the bottom corner.

The fifth came thanks to a calm Aaron Ramsey finish, rounding the goalkeeper at the far post after a twisting and turning Sanchez squeezed a cross through after some poor defending failed to clear.

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It was a comfortable win in the end for Arsenal one that, after a week of torrid performances, results and a vicious aftermath, will come as a welcome gift for Arsene Wenger. This is not a game for him to hang his future on. But, it will provide some confidence for his team as they lack to haul their way back into the top four during the remainder of the year.

Highlights

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