FA Cup: Giroud's late winner helps Arsenal sneak by Preston

Olivier Giroud's deflected finish in the 89th minute was rough on Preston, which had dominated the opening period after Callum Robinson had given it an early lead.

Published : Jan 08, 2017 02:05 IST

Olivier Giroud celebrates after striking a late winner against Preston North End.

Olivier Giroud's scoring streak continued as he struck late to give Arsenal a 2-1 victory at Championship side Preston North End in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.

Giroud's deflected finish in the 89th minute was rough on Preston, which had dominated the opening period after Callum Robinson had given it an early lead.

Arsenal was a different proposition after the break and equalised a minute after the restart when Ramsey fired home from the edge of the area after Alex Iwobi's lay-off.

The host looked capable of holding out for a replay but Giroud struck for the fourth match in a row when he capitalised on a clever back heel by Lucas Perez.

Preston was left to rue missed chances before the break, the best of which saw Jordan Hugill somehow fail to connect with a Robinson cross with the goal gaping.

Robinson also had a goal ruled out for an infringement.