Giroud strikes late winner as Arsenal sneak by Preston

Olivier Giroud's scoring streak has continued as he has struck late to give Arsenal a 2-1 victory at Championship side Preston North End in the FA Cup third round.

>>Reuters
Published : 7 Jan 2017, 08:39 PM
Updated : 7 Jan 2017, 08:40 PM

Giroud's deflected finish in the 89th minute on Saturday was rough on Preston who had dominated the opening period after Callum Robinson had given them an early lead.

Arsenal were a different proposition after the break and equalised a minute after the restart when Ramsey fired home from the edge of the area after Alex Iwobi's lay-off.

The hosts looked capable of holding out for a replay but Giroud struck for the fourth match in a row when he capitalised on a clever back heel by Lucas Perez.

Preston were left to rue missed chances before the break, the best of which saw Jordan Hugill somehow fail to connect with a Robinson cross with the goal gaping.

Robinson also had a goal ruled out for an infringement.