Arsenal open FA Cup defence with 3-1 win

LONDON (AP):

Arsenal began their FA Cup defence with a 3-1 comeback victory against Sunderland and were joined in the fourth round by Manchester United and Manchester City yesterday.

United laboured past Sheffield United 1-0 at Old Trafford, and Manchester City emphatically defeated Norwich 3-0.

Also, Premier League side Aston Villa were held to 1-1 at fourth-tier Wycombe, while fifth-tier Eastleigh drew 1-1 with second-division side Bolton.

It looked as if there could be a shock at Emirates Stadium, where the Premier League leaders fell behind to a Jermaine Lens strike after 17 minutes for Sunderland, who are second-to-last in the league.

But Joel Campbell equalised, then two goals in three second-half minutes from substitute Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud ensured Arsenal moved on to the next round.

"In the second half, we took over," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said. "We played in their half, scored great goals, and created many chances."

United overcame Sheffield with a penalty from Wayne Rooney with time virtually up, but their performance against third-tier opposition was another display lacking attacking intent.

When substitute Memphis Depay tried his luck with a low shot, which went comfortably wide in the 66th minute, it was United's first attempt at goal, and was greeted with sarcastic cheers by supporters.

Depay was felled in the box in the third minute of injury time by Dean Hammond, and Rooney scored from the spot.

NO PROBLEMS FOR MAN CITY

City had no problems at Norwich. Sergio Aguero beat four players before converting for the opener, and assisted on the second, scored by Kelechi Iheanacho.

Kevin De Bruyne added the third, shooting though the legs of goalkeeper John Ruddy.

Eastleigh went 1-0 up over Bolton in the second half of their match, with an own goal by Bolton defender Dorian Dervite, but Darren Pratley saved humiliation by levelling moments from the end.

Villa became the second Premier League side to fail to beat fourth-tier opposition.

Villa captain Micah Richards gave his side the lead in the first half, but Joe Jacobson levelled for the Chairboys with a penalty.

Everton beat Dagenham 2-0 at Goodison Park with goals from Aruna Kone and Kevin Mirallas.

West Brom needed a last-minute goal from James Morrison to draw with second-tier Bristol City 2-2 and earn a replay, while Bournemouth came from a goal behind to beat Birmingham 2-1.

Of other Premier League teams, Southampton lost 2-1 against Crystal Palace, Watford beat Newcastle 1-0, West Ham edged Wolverhampton 1-0, and Stoke beat Doncaster 2-1.