It was a comprehensive performance, not reflected in the scoreline, and should do wonders to the team’s confidence down the stretch of the season.
The game started with both teams probing, but creating mere half chances before Arsenal struck.
Oxlade-Chamberlain wove his way through the United defence and fed the ball to Nacho Monreal, who finished with the aplomb of a centre-forward.
Arsenal had little time to enjoy their lead as United struck back within minutes.
Angel di Maria lofted a lovely cross over Koscielny’s head to Wayne Rooney, who headed home past the helpless Szczesny.
The Ox crossed later to Welbeck, who couldn’t get enough power on his header and de Gea saved.
The game was played at a blistering pace and one feared the team’s might become more conservative in the second half.
However, the pace continued and both teams created chances. United’s best chances came when di Maria narrowly shot wide and Smalling deflected a corner kick over the bar.
One suspected that a mistake might decide the game and a mistake did. Antonio Valencia underhit a pass back to de Gea and Welbeck stole in, rounded the keeper and scored into the empty goal.
United responded the way United does, by diving! Dives by Januzaj and di Maria were rewarded by yellow cards from referee Michael Oliver.
Angel di Maria, not used to such matters, responded by grabbing Oliver’s shirt, earning him a red card.
The best chances at the end of the match came from Arsenal, with de Gea making great saves from Cazorla and Sanchez.
The win moves Arsenal into the semi-final to play the winner of the Reading v. Bradford replay.
Player Ratings:
Szczesny 6. Wojciech had little to do for most of the night. The best save he made was from a header by Fellaini. He did make several poor clearances from which United managed to make dangerous half-chances.
Bellerin 7. A rash challenge early on earned him a yellow card. Following a foul he committed in the second half, Wenger replaced him, fearing a red card was soon to come. Did a good job battling Ashley Young.
Mertesacker 8. Another assured performance from Per. On several occasions he had to make last second interventions.
Koscielny 7. A good game from Laurent, although he’ll be annoyed he let Rooney sneak behind him for their goal.
Monreal 9. My man of the match. He did a fine job keeping Valencia quiet for most of the game and he was solid throughout. Did well attacking and scored an excellent goal.
Coquelin 8. Another bloody battle from Francis. Most of the night he battled Fellaini and held his own. He was good on the ball as well.
Cazorla 8. Strong game from Santi, who played good defence and helped to retain the ball. Had several shots, the best of which, a volley, was well saved by de Gea.
Ozil 8. Worked hard and created many openings, particularly in the second half, when there was more space.
Oxlade-Chamberlain 8. Made a number of key runs, set up the first goal, and worked hard. However he came off with what looks like a hamstring injury.
Welbeck 8. Scored the winning goal, his eighth, a reward for his defensive work on the night. At times his control let him down, but he was always involved.
Sanchez 8. Typical performance. Some frustrating moments, some moments of magic. A great save from de Gea prevented him from scoring.
Substitutes:
Ramsey 7. Put in a good shift and didn’t become too greedy looking for a goal.
Chambers 6. Came in for Bellerin and played well.
Giroud 5. Hardly got on the ball, but did some defensive work and running.