Memorable FA Cup 3rd matches ahead of Arsenal v Nottingham Forest


Memorable FA Cup 3rd matches ahead of Arsenal v Nottingham Forest

By Jonny Bray
No team loves the FA Cup quite as much as Arsenal.
Their 2020 triumph was a record-extending 14th victory in the men’s competition and hopes will be high for a 15th this season.
After a bye in the first two rounds of the main draw, the Gunners start their campaign with a trip to Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
Forest prevailed 4-2 when the two sides met at this stage four years ago in a classic cupset, though defeats this early in the cup are rare for Mikel Arteta’s side.
We take a look at some of the club’s biggest and best third round victories in recent times.

2014: Arsenal 2-0 Tottenham

Arsenal won the FA Cup in 2014 and started their campaign with a big victory against North London rivals Tottenham, in what was undoubtedly the biggest clash of the round.
The Gunners were favourites heading into this game at the Emirates as they topped the league table, while Spurs were struggling and had recently sacked Andre Villas-Boas.
Having dominated most of the first half Arsenal were rewarded in the 31st minute when fan favourite Santi Cazorla put them in front with a powerful finish.
And it was game over with just under half an hour left on the clock in the second half, with Tomas Rosicky pouncing on Danny Rose’s defensive error to make it 2-0.

2007: Liverpool 1-3 Arsenal

Seven years before his goal against Spurs, Rosicky was the hero again as he scored twice as the Gunners beat reigning champions Liverpool in a dominant display at Anfield.
A sublime strike from the Czech star saw Arsenal take the lead in the 37th minute, and he struck again in the closing stages of the first half to hand Arsene Wenger’s XI a commanding 2-0 lead at the break.
Arsenal were not going to have it all their own way against a high-quality Liverpool team, and with just inside 20 minutes to go Dirk Kuyt pulled one back to give the hosts hope of drawing level.
However, Thierry Henry sealed a fine victory for his side in the 84th minute, dispossessing Jamie Carragher before slotting past Jerzy Dudek for Arsenal’s third of the evening. 

2004: Leeds 1-4 Arsenal

Arsenal were two-time defending champions when they headed to Elland Road to take on Leeds in 2004, who were struggling in the league and ultimately relegated at the end of that season
However, it was the home side who went ahead inside 10 minutes thanks to a fluke goal, with Jens Lehmann’s clearance striking Mark Viduka and sailing into the back of the net.
It didn’t take long for the Gunners to equalise though with Henry’s 26th minute volley helping them draw level, before Edu slotted home seven minutes later to give them the lead.
And the side sealed a comfortable victory late on, with strikes from Robert Pires and Kolo Toure in the final five minutes helping Arsenal safely reach the fourth round.

2002: Watford 2-4 Arsenal

Arsenal’s run to the trophy 20 years ago began with a high-quality contest against Watford at Vicarage Road.
The Gunners got off to a flying start, going 2-0 up after just ten minutes thanks to early efforts from Henry and Freddie Ljungberg, though Gifton Noel-Williams pulled one back in the 13th minute to keep the Hornets in touching distance.
However, the Gunners restored their two-goal advantage 20 minutes into the second half through Kanu, before Dennis Bergkamp added a fourth with five minutes to go.
Marcus Gayle scored a late consolation for Watford but Arsenal ultimately progressed relatively comfortably on their way to the title later that season.
Phot Credit: Getty Images

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