Arsenal came from behind at Upton Park to beat fellow Londoners West Ham by two goals to one and progress to the 4th round of the 2010 FA Cup.
The hosts had the better of the first half and were good value for their lead at the break achieved in first half stoppage time by Diamante (45 +1). After the break, however Arsenal produced two goals in two second half minutes courtesy of Ramsey (78) and Eduardo (83) to win the tie.
Before Arsenal scored, West Ham had several second half chances through the strong centre forward Nouble before Junior Stanislas, the West Ham right back, had a chance to take the hosts lead to two clear goals as he hit a hard shot for the top right corner which drew a fine top-handed save from Lukasz Fabianski at full stretch.
Robert Green was also excellent in the West Ham goal, making a stunning double save from Vela and Eduardo before later being beaten by a well taken shot from Ramsey after the ball had fallen to him somewhat fortuitously well inside the West Ham box with just over ten minutes remaining.
This turnaround had been instigated by the double addition of Diabi and Nasri on 64 minutes which seemed to add much needed composure and drive to the Arsenal midfield.
Soon after, Eduardo headed a pinpoint effort into Green’s top corner. The player should not have been allowed this header as Upson was in close quarters, and Green will be disappointed that the ball seemed to loop over him catching him slightly wrong-footed, but the header was well placed from around the penalty spot.
If the equaliser knocked the stuffing out of West Ham, the second goal effectively killed them as they offered very little on the ball and, despite five minutes of additional time, failed to produce an attack of merit before the final whistle ended their 2010 FA Cup run at the first hurdle.
The draw takes place on the evening of 3rd January 2010.
