Arsenal set up an FA Cup quarterfinal against Hull City when it cruised past Championship (second division) side Burnley 3-0 in their delayed fifth round match at the Emirates Stadium in London yesterday.
Arsenal avenged its League Cup defeat to Burnley in December with goals from Carlos Vela and Eduardo da Silva, captain for the day in only his second match for Arsenal of an injury-hit season.
Emmanuel Eboue wrapped up the victory with the third seven minutes from time.
Vela opened the scoring after 25 minutes when he raced away from the Burnley defense after being played in by Andrei Arshavin who capitalized on a mistake by Chris Eagles. Vela kept his poise to chip left-footed over Burnley keeper Brian Jensen.
Eduardo's goal was even better, volleying in a perfect cross from Alex Song with the outside of his left foot which gave Jensen no chance. He also scored twice against Cardiff City in his only other appearance of the season in the last round.
Theo Walcott came on as a second-half substitute for Arsenal - his first appearance since dislocating his shoulder nearly four months ago.
Walcott, who will turn 20 a week from today, came on in the 71st minute for Eduardo. Arsenal fans gave him a loud ovation at the Emirates.
Arsenal will play Hull at the Emirates on March 17 or 18, with both sides seeking to join Manchester United and Chelsea in the semifinals. Everton was facing Middlesbrough in the third quarterfinal at Goodison Park.
On Saturday, United and Chelsea cruised with comfortable away wins at Fulham and Coventry City, respectively.
Carlos Tevez scored twice and Wayne Rooney and Park Ji-sung also struck as United turned on the style at Craven Cottage, while goals from Didier Drogba and Alex made it six wins out of six since new manager Guus Hiddink arrived at Chelsea.
(Agencies via Shanghai Daily March 9, 2009)
