Arsenal overcome Oxford to set up Manchester City clash

Arsenal set up a blockbuster FA Cup fourth-round clash at Manchester City after seeing off third-tier Oxford on Monday night.

Mikel Arteta made seven changes from the recent goalless stalemate with Newcastle and the Premier League leaders were made to work for their victory at the Kassam Stadium.

Neither side mustered a shot on target in an utterly-forgettable opening 45 minutes before Mohamed Elneny's first goal in 617 days broke the deadlock and a classy Eddie Nketiah brace wrapped up the win.

Bukayo Saka also limped off on a night where the scoreline ultimately flattered Arsenal, who now travel to their nearest title rivals City as a reward.

An even opening half-hour saw Arsenal dominate the ball without testing former Sligo Rovers player Edward McGinty in the Oxford goal.

While five of those coming into the visitors’ side were fully-fledged internationals, there was a clear lack of the sort of cohesion which has seen them amass a five-point lead over Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions at the Premier League summit.

Arsenal were denied a strong penalty shout as an Albert Sambi Lokonga drive was blocked by the flailing arm of Elliott Moore but, with no VAR in operation, referee David Coote was unmoved.

Not until 10 minutes after the interval did the capacity crowd witness a shot on target, Saka cutting inside before seeing his effort cleared off the line by Lewis Bate.

Arteta responded to the deadlock by introducing Granit Xhaka and Oleksandr Zinchenko from the bench – but it was another pair who combined for the opener.

Just moments after the changes and the 14-time FA Cup winners were ahead, Fabio Vieira – arguably the most ineffectual player on the pitch in the opening hour – providing a free-kick into the box which Elneny