Arsenal’s Gabriel, center left, jumps as he attempts to block a header by Sunderland’s Steven Fletcher during the English FA Cup third round at the Emirates stadium
Arsenal began its FA Cup defense with a 3-1 comeback victory against Sunderland and was joined in the fourth round by Manchester United and Manchester City on Saturday.
United labored past Sheffield United 1-0 at Old Trafford, and Manchester City emphatically defeated Norwich 3-0.
It looked as if there could be a shock at Emirates Stadium, where the Premier League leader fell behind to a Jermaine Lens strike after 17 minutes for Sunderland, which was second-to-last in the league.
But Joel Campbell equalized, then two goals in three second-half minutes from substitute Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud ensured Arsenal moved on to the next round.
“In the second half we took over,” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said. “We played in their half, scored great goals, and created many chances.”
United overcame Sheffield with a penalty from Wayne Rooney with time virtually up, but its performance against third-tier opposition was another display lacking attacking intent.
When substitute Memphis Depay tried his luck with a low shot which went comfortably wide in the 66th minute, it was United’s first attempt at goal, and was greeted with sarcastic cheers by supporters.
Depay was felled in the box in the third minute of injury time by Dean Hammond, and Rooney scored from the spot.
United manager Louis van Gaal regarded the result as more important than the performance.
“You have to play more quickly than we did in the first half,” Van Gaal said. “They are defending with 10, 11 players behind the ball. It’s more easy to defend than attack.”
City had no problems at Norwich. Sergio Aguero beat four players before converting for the opener, and assisted on the second scored by Kelechi Iheanacho.
Kevin De Bruyne added the third, shooting through the legs of goalkeeper John Ruddy. Jack Bezants, London, AP
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