NEWCASTLE UNITED were knocked out of FA Cup tonight as two second half goals from Emmanuel Adebayor and a Nicky Butt own goal ended their hopes of glory in the capital.
The odds were already stacked against United after being handed the toughest draw of the round but despite a battling performance by the Magpies, Arsenal’s class shone through in the second half.
Keegan included Alan Smith and Nicky Butt in his team for the clash with the Gunners as David Rozehnal dropped down to the bench and Shola Ameobi missed out on selection all together.
Michael Owen resumed as captain of United despite the return of Smith with the England player starting the game in attack.
Arsenal fielded a strong side as they looked to bounce back from their Carling Cup drubbing against Spurs in midweek.
KK had vowed to attack Arsenal before the game and United enjoyed some early possession without threatening the goal.
Smith had a great chance for United on 15 minutes when a Milner corner was flicked into his path and Gael Clichy was forced to head the ball off the line with Jens Lehmann a beaten man.
But Arsenal always looked dangerous on the break and three minutes later Shay Given had to be at his best to punch clear after Clichy’s forward run and shot tested the black and whites.
Given had to be at his magnificent best again with 24 minutes played when he produced a superb two handed save to keep out sub Eduardo with the Croatian belting in a powerful shot from long range.
Newcastle were back on the attack seven minutes later following a free-kick.
United lost the ball but Duff regained possession and scooped it into the air for Steven Taylor who sent a looping header over Lehmann but on to the top of the net.
And although Arsenal looked the stronger side towards the end of the first period the break arrived at a good time for Newcastle with the Gunners on top.
However, six minutes into the second half Arsenal grabbed the lead after Eduardo hit the post and Taylor failed to clear to allow Emmanuel Adebayor to smash the ball past Given to give the home side a 1-0 lead.
Arsenal survived two Newcastle penalty appeals after the opener but managed to hold their advantage.
But it was 2-0 with five minutes to go as Adebayor jinked his way into the box and drilled the ball between Taylor’s legs on the line as United’s hopes faded.
Arsenal added a third in the dying stages as Nicky Butt put the ball past his own keeper from a Fabregas free-kick.
NEWCASTLE: Given, Carr, Enrique (Rozehnal 77), Cacapa, Taylor, Milner, N’Zogbia, Butt, Smith, Owen, Duff (LuaLua 83).
Subs: Rozehnal, Harper, Edgar, Carroll.
ARSENAL: Lehmann, Diaby (Gilberto 77), Fabregas, Senderos, Rosicky (Eduardo 10), Gallas, Flamini, Clichy, Adebayor, Hoyte, Walcott (Hleb 77)
Subs: Fabianski, Bendtner.
Ref: M Atkinson
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