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.

Preston North End v Arsenal - FA Cup Third Round - Deepdale - 7/1/17 - Arsenal's Olivier Giroud gestures to the assistant referee after having a goal disallowed for offside. Reuters Preston North End v Arsenal - FA Cup Third Round - Deepdale - 7/1/17 - Arsenal's Olivier Giroud gestures to the assistant referee after having a goal disallowed for offside. Reuters

Preston North End v Arsenal - FA Cup Third Round - Deepdale - 7/1/17 - Arsenal's Olivier Giroud applauds fans after the game. Reuters Preston North End v Arsenal - FA Cup Third Round - Deepdale - 7/1/17 - Arsenal's Olivier Giroud applauds fans after the game. Reuters

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.