JOB DONE ... Jack Wilshere celebrates netting Arsenal's late winner against Swansea
Published: 53 minutes ago
JACK WILSHERE led the Gunners into the FA Cup fourth round after a dominant display at the Emirates.
The tricky midfielder lashed home from the edge of the area to end Swansea's stubborn rearguard action on 86 minutes - after the hosts had peppered Michel Vorm's goal.
Arsenal controlled and even first half in the early minutes — but Olivier Giroud could only fire wide when presented with a good chance 12 yards from goal.
Only a block from Thomas Vermaelen then kept the lively Nathan Dyer at bay after the Swans' winger had danced into the box.
The big Belgian was then denied at the other end as his free kick was deflected over.
TAKING AIM ... Swansea's Danny Graham tries his luck at the Emirates
The Swans were so nearly ahead on 25 minutes when ex-Gunner Kyle Bartley headed against the crossbar after meeting a sublime cross from Wayne Routledge at the back post.
Vorm was called upon again on the stroke of half time as he denied Vermaelen from close range.
Contract rebel Theo Walcott couldn't seal the deal in front of goal moments after the break — dinking wide after forcing his way through with just Vorm to beat.
FACE-OFF ... Theo Walcott takes on Swansea's Chico Flores
Giroud's luckless night continued as he beat Jazz Richards at the near post, but flicked his header across goal and wide.
Ref Mark Clattenburg then had a huge decision to make as Walcott's effort was cleared off the line, seemingly by the upper arm of Danny Graham.
He decided it hit the striker's chest - and Leon Britton further annoyed the Gunners as he headed off the line from the corner seconds later.
Arsene Wenger's side enjoyed complete domination in the second half and Walcott added to the list of wasted chances — missing his attempted header as Bacary Sagna's cross curled by and bounced safely off the post.
Giroud then slammed a strike straight into his own man, Wilshere, as frustration rose in north London with extra time looming.
ROUGH AND TUMBLE ... Thomas Vermaelen and Nathan Dyer clash at the Emirates
It wasn't needed.
The ever-dangerous Wilshere found space and lashed in a left-footed shot four minutes from time that finally forced the Gunners into round four.
DREAM TEAM RATINGS
STAR MAN - JACK WILSHERE
ARSENAL: Szczesny 6, Diaby 6 (Ramsey 6), Sagna 7, Mertesacker 6, Vermaelen 6, Wilshere 8, Giroud 5, Walcott 6, Cazorla 6, Coquelin 6, Gibbs 6. Subs not used: Podolski, Santos, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Arshavin, Mannone, Jenkinson.
SWANSEA: Vorm 7, Bartley 6, Flores 6, Britton 6, Graham 6 (Michu 71 mins 5), Dyer 5, Routledge 5, De Guzman 5 (Ki 6), Tiendalli 5, Agustien 6 (Hernandez 5), Richards 6. Subs not used: Monk, Shechter, Tremmel, Davies.
FULL REPORT, DREAM TEAM RATINGS AND MATCH HIGHLIGHTS TO FOLLOW.
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4748103/Arsenal-1-0-Swansea-Match-report-pictures-and-video-highlights.html#ixzz2IBJR724O
