FA Cup
Result: Preston 1-2 Arsenal
Date: 07 January 2017
Venue: Deepdale
Olivier Giroud struck late in the second half to send Arsenal into the fourth round of the FA Cup, as the Gunners beat Preston North End 2-1 at Deepdale.
Preston broke the deadlock after seven minutes as Callim Robinson slots past David Opsina, after some fine work by Aiden McGeady.
The Gunners continued to push an equaliser but were unable to carve out a clear-cut chance, while Preston Sam Gallagher's lob was cleared off the line in the 36th minute.
Most of the first-half opportunities fell to the Championship outfit, as the Gunners failed to trouble in the opening 45 minutes.
Arsenal leveled matters shortly after the break courtesy of a thumping Aaron Ramsey strike from the edge of the box that left Maxwell with no chance.
The Gunners nearly took the lead after 70 minutes, but Maxwell produced a fine save to deny Shkodran Mustafi at his near post.
Arsenal had the ball in the back of the net in the 79th minute, but Olivier Giroud's close range volley was flagged offside.
However, Giroud was not to be denied in the 89th minute as the Frenchman scrambled home a shot from six-yards out to seal Arsenal's spot in the next round.
