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As it happenedended

Preston vs Arsenal as it happened: Olivier Giroud's late winner sends Gunners through

All the latest action as the Premier League sides enter the FA Cup

Joe Miles
Saturday 07 January 2017 11:56 GMT
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Olivier Giroud applied a tight finish to see Arsenal past a hard-working Preston side
Olivier Giroud applied a tight finish to see Arsenal past a hard-working Preston side (Getty)

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Saturday sees the return of the FA Cup third round, with 25 ties to be played today, starting with Manchester United vs Reading at Old Trafford.

Jaap Stam returns to his former club for the first time since he was abruptly sold by Sir Alex Ferguson in 2001 following revelations in his autobiography.

Jose Mourinho is expected to name a much-changed team for the tie, as is Arsene Wenger for when Arsenal face Preston at Deepdale in the 5.30pm kick off.

Other stand-out ties include Everton vs Leicester City, Hull vs Swansea and non-league Sutton United at home to AFC Wimbledon.

Follow the live blog below…

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Friday's FA Cup results:

West Ham United 0 Manchester City 5

Saturday’s FA Cup fixtures (all 3pm kick offs unless stated otherwise):

Manchester United v Reading (12.30pm kick off)

Accrington Stanley v Luton Town

Barrow v Rochdale

Birmingham City v Newcastle United

Blackpool v Barnsley

Bolton Wanderers v Crystal Palace

Brentford v Eastleigh

Brighton & Hove Albion v Milton Keynes Dons

Bristol City v Fleetwood Town

Everton v Leicester City

Huddersfield Town v Port Vale

Hull City v Swansea City

Ipswich Town v Lincoln City

Millwall v Bournemouth

Norwich City v Southampton

Queens Park Rangers v Blackburn Rovers

Rotherham United v Oxford United

Stoke City v Wolverhampton Wanderers

Sunderland v Burnley

Sutton United v AFC Wimbledon

Watford v Burton Albion

West Bromwich Albion v Derby County

Wigan Athletic v Nottingham Forest

Wycombe Wanderers v Stourbridge

Preston North End v Arsenal (5.30pm kick off)

HALF TIME

Arsenal enter the interval chasing a one goal deficit, following an early goal from Robinson. The home side have been impressive throughout the first half - controlling the tempo of the fixture for the majority. Wenger's men have appeared to be unorganised and unenthuastic about this third-round clash. They began to find their feet as the half progressed, but it was too little, too late.

I am sure Wenger will have a few stern words to say to his side during the interval, so we can expect to see an improvement in the second half. Nonetheless, we have to congratulate Preston for their performance so far. 

Joe Miles7 January 2017 18:21

Joe Miles7 January 2017 18:31

Arsenal kick-off to begin the second half.

Joe Miles7 January 2017 18:37

46 MINS

GOAL

PRESTON 1 - 1 ARSENAL

Just 50 seconds into the second half, Ramsey has buried a sublime strike from the edge of the box past a helpless Maxwell. It's a tremendous strike from the Arsenal man, to score his first goal since March. 

Whatever Wenger said at half-time, it certainly worked... 

It's all level. Game on!

Joe Miles7 January 2017 18:38

49 MINS

The atmosphere of the game has completely changed. The travelling Arsenal fans are singing loud and clear and the players appear have gained momentum from that goal. Preston will be looking to re-find their fine form of the first half. 

Joe Miles7 January 2017 18:41

52 MINS

 A late challenge on Ramsey by Pearson gives Arsenal a clear free-kick. Tempers are beginning to flare out there. 

Joe Miles7 January 2017 18:43

53 MINS

A feud between Gallagher and Giroud begins following a late challenge. Simon Grayson will be hoping that his players do not loose their tempers and let this game slip away from them. 

Joe Miles7 January 2017 18:45

56 MINS

An Arsenal corner is delivered into the box, but Gallagher clears the danger and sends the ball up to Robinson. 

Joe Miles7 January 2017 18:47

59 MINS

A ball over the top finds Giroud, who controls the ball but looses possession to Clarke. The Arsenal fans scream for a hand-ball, but the referee signals to play on.

Joe Miles7 January 2017 18:50

60 MINS

Subsitution: Gallagher is replaced by Browne

Joe Miles7 January 2017 18:51

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