Arsenal’s high calibre eventually prevailed, as they saw off a valiant Oxford United.
Mohamed Elneny opened the scoring with a free header, midway through the second half. Eddie Nketiah later followed suit through a brace of goals, which demonstrated much of his quality.
The Gunners set up a blockbuster FA Cup fourth-round tie at title rivals, Manchester City.
Here are the full player ratings for both teams, from tonight's contest:
Oxford United
Edward McGinty: 6
Not much he could prevent in Arsenal’s first and third goals. Came off his goal line a tad recklessly for Nketiah’s first strike.
Ciaran Brown - 7
Contained Bukayo Saka with seeming ease, in the first-half. However, this didn’t hold such a lasting effect.
Sam Long - 7
An aerial demon throughout. A clear physical presence in the first 45 but, just like his teammates, came unstuck as the tie progressed.
Elliott Moore - 5
Evidently ran out of steam as the night grew. Stood still and watched on as Eddie Nketiah sailed on by to double Arsenal’s lead.
Djavan Anderson - 8
Thoroughly impressive all night. For the most part, forced Gabriel Martinelli out the fray. An evidently intelligent footballer.
Seemed aggressive and tenacious in moments of the first-half. Much like his fellow U’s, ran out of legs and struggled following the introduction of Granit Xhaka.
Marcus McGuane - 5
Made a costly mistake which led to Arsenal’s second goal. Just like Brannagan and Bate, couldn’t deal with the presence of Xhaka.
Lewis Bate - 7
Impressed throughout the first 45 with a lively and tenacious display. More than stood his ground when facing Elneny and Lokonga.
Josh Murphy - 5
Hardly featured. Very rarely got hold of the ball.
Matty Taylor - 5
An aerial liability. Outsmarted by Matt Turner in the only incident of a slight goalscoring opportunity.
Billy Bodin - 5
Similar to Murphy and Taylor, was unable to cause Arsenal any shadow of a problem.
Yanic Wildschut - 5
Sent on in hope of adding pace to the Oxford attack. Once again, difficult to pull off such an aim.
Gatlin O’Donkor - 6
A promising 18 year-old forward. Would have been delighted to feature towards the end.
Tyler Goodhram - 6
Another teenager sent on purely for a memorable moment in the early stages of his career.
Josh Johnson - N/A
Yet again, a great opportunity for the youthful midfielder.
Brandon Fleming - N/A
Made his first Oxford appearance after completing a loan move from Hull City, on Friday.
Arsenal
Matt Turner - 6
Had virtually zero to do all night. Reliable when called upon.
Took far too long to release the ball in an around the 18 yard-box. Was hardly troubled by the Oxford frontline.
Rob Holding - 6
Looked phased and shaky to start. Appeared progressively comfortable as the tie fell into Arsenal’s grasp.
Gabriel - 7
Calm, composed, assured. Showed why he’s a regular in an exceptional Arsenal XI.
Kieran Tierney - 6
Never looks out of place on a football pitch. However, doesn’t seem to hold the same level of quality as fellow left-back, Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Mohamed Elneny - 7
Apart from scoring his first goal since May 2021, the Egyptian man produced a relatively lacklustre display and, on another night, may have been punished for it.
Albert Sambi Lokonga - 5
A faded shadow of Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka. When he’s on the pitch, Arsenal are, unfortunately, half the team they normally are.
Fabio Vieira - 8
Contributed excellently with two superb assists for both Elneny and Nketiah’s goals. Showcased his true quality.
Bukayo Saka - 6
Didn’t quite seem his normal self. Oxford left-back, Ciaran Brown, can be immensely proud with the way in which he dealt with Arsenal’s starman.
Produced an assist of huge quality. Elsewhere, followed in Saka’s footsteps of struggling to demonstrate his upmost level of firepower.
Eddie Nketiah - 8 (MOTM)
Somewhat frustrating in the first-half. However, took both his goals exceptionally well and continued his fine goal scoring form, much to the delight of the Arsenal faithful.
Rich in quality, as ever.
Granit Xhaka - 7
Xhaka enters the field. Arsenal assert pure dominance. Simple.
Emile Smith-Rowe - 6
Brilliant to see him return, from an Arsenal point of view.
Marquinhos - N/A
Arteta clearly wanted some more minutes in the tank for the young Brazilian starlet.
Ben White - N/A
In my opinion, one of Arsenal’s standout players so far this season. Sent on in aim of sustaining a clean sheet.
