Adebayor brace puts Gunners through Sunday, January 27, 2008
Arsenal recorded a 3-0 victory over Newcastle following a double from Emmanuel Adebayor to secure a place in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
The Togo striker hit a brace in the second half to see off Kevin Keegan's spirited side.
Newcastle had plenty of the ball, and things could have been different had Alan Smith's first-half effort not been cleared off the line. An own goal from Nicky Butt in the closing moments summed up their afternoon.
Arsenal were forced into an early change when winger Tomas Rosicky hobbled out and was replaced by Croatian hitman Eduardo.
Newcastle looked dangerous on the break - and they almost snatched the lead on 14 minutes when the ball dropped to Smith on the penalty spot following a corner on the left, but his goalbound shot was headed off the line by Gael Clichy.
In first-half stoppage time Abou Diaby cut inside from the left and sent in a dipping effort from the edge of the box - which goalkeeper Shay Given tipped over acrobatically. Newcastle again looked determined to take the game to Arsenal following the restart but on 51 minutes the Gunners were in front.
Eduardo made space for himself on the edge of the penalty area and sent in a curling left-foot shot which had Given beaten, but struck the base of the keeper's right-hand post.
The defence failed to clear the loose ball and in-form Adebayor showed good close control before lashing his effort into the left corner to leave Arsenal celebrating their 100th goal at Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal made sure of their place in the last 16 after 83 minutes when Adebayor darted into the right side of the area, held off two defenders and drew the keeper, before firing in a low shot which last man Steven Taylor could not keep out as the Togo hitman closed in on 20 goals of an impressive campaign.
An own goal from Butt made it 3-0 on 82 minutes as Eduardo looked to nod in Cesc Fabregas' free-kick from six yards.
