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As it happenedended

Blackpool vs Arsenal: Unai Emery's men cruise past hosts to reach FA Cup fourth round

Re-live the FA Cup action from Bloomfield Road

Kieran Jackson
Saturday 05 January 2019 18:01 GMT
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Blackpool v Arsenal: FA Cup match preview

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A journey that began with a Blackpool protester sitting on top of their bus ended with Arsenal comfortably booking their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Joe Willock, one of two teenagers in the Gunners' starting line-up, scored twice in the first half and Alex Iwobi added a third in the 82nd minute to secure a 3-0 victory.

Most of the drama happened two-and-a-half hours before the match at the Marriott Hotel in Preston, where Arsenal's players found they were unable to set off for Bloomfield Road.

A large number of Blackpool fans have been trying to force Owen Oyston to sell the club for several years, to no avail, and their most high-profile match of the season offered an opportunity to draw wider attention.

The protester, who came down after 40 minutes, was arrested on suspicion of an offence under the Trade Union Act and remained in police custody at kick-off.

The incident did not delay the match, with Arsenal finding a replacement vehicle before being escorted into the ground via a back entrance, with more protesting fans outside the front.

Those supporters headed for home when the match began as they continue to boycott games at Bloomfield Road, and the travelling Arsenal fans comfortably outnumbered their counterparts - making up 5,218 of the 8,995 crowd - before watching their side cruise to a straightforward victory.

Re-live the action below:

GOAL! Crystal Palace 1-0 Grimsby (Ayew 87') 

The deadlock is finally broken at Selhurst Park! 

Kieran Jackson5 January 2019 19:16

Portsmouth are doing extremely well to hold an in-form Norwich side at Carrow Road. 

Kieran Jackson5 January 2019 19:18

90 minutes: Blackpool 0-3 Arsenal 

Four minutes of added time at Bloomfield Road. 

Kieran Jackson5 January 2019 19:20

FULL-TIME: Blackpool 0-3 Arsenal 

A comfortable win for the Gunners in the end, with a double for Joe Willock and an Alex Iwobi strike securing Arsenal's path into round four. 

Blackpool worked hard, and at times matched their opponents, but Arsenal were clinical and ruthless when needed, and thoroughly deserved their win. 

The role Arsenal's youngsters played in today's win will surely delight manager Unai Emery. 

Kieran Jackson5 January 2019 19:24

FULL-TIME: Crystal Palace 1-0 Grimsby Town 

That late Ayew goal breaks Grimsby hearts! 

Kieran Jackson5 January 2019 19:25

FULL-TIME: Bristol City 1-0 Huddersfield 

Premier League Huddersfield are OUT! 

Kieran Jackson5 January 2019 19:26

GOAL! Norwich 0-1 Portsmouth (Green 90+4') 

UNBELIEVABLE!!! Pompey are heading through, with the last kick of the game!

Andre Green stabs an effort towards his goal and it goes in off the post to send the away fans into delirium! 

Kieran Jackson5 January 2019 19:26

FULL-TIME: Newcastle 1-1 Blackburn 

They'll do it all again at Ewood Park. 

Kieran Jackson5 January 2019 19:28

FULL-TIME: Norwich 0-1 Portsmouth

Andre Green's last-minute winner sends Pompey through! 

Kieran Jackson5 January 2019 19:29

And here is that Andre Green winner: 

Kieran Jackson5 January 2019 19:30

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