A cool right-footed finish by Arsenal's Dani Ceballos in injury time booked Arsenal's spot in the FA Cup semifinals following a dramatic 1-2 victory over Sheffield United on Sunday. United looked to have rescued a result with three minutes remaining when David McGoldrick equalised following Nicolas Pepe's first-half penalty.
Positives
Winning is a strong habit to break, and Arsenal's two recent successes over Southampton and Sheffield United might just provide the catalyst Mikel Arteta requires to inspire his squad to achieving a Europa League place for next season -- although admittedly qualification via the FA Cup now looks the more likely with fifth-placed Wolves nine points up the table.
Negatives
For large parts of the second half, Arsenal found themselves under a barrage of attacks from either flanks as United searched for an equaliser. The late winner will certainly quash the majority of fans' concerns, but in the long run, Arteta has plenty of work to do in midfield and defensive areas if the Gunners are going to challenge for a Champions League spot anytime soon.
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Manager rating out of 10
8 -- It would be easy to weigh in on the negatives of Arsenal's performance, but Arteta's quick-thinking approach concerning his substitutes perhaps proved the difference between an FA Cup flop and progression. Substitute Eddie Nketiah delivered a wicked cross to Pepe, whose heavy touched opened the door for Ceballos' winner.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best, players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Emiliano Martinez, 7 -- Conceded three goals, but the flag was raised for two of them. It would be harsh to criticise Martinez for the goal while praise can certainly be sent in his direction for executing a fine save from Oliver Norwood's powerful drive at the end of the first half.
DF David Luiz, 6 -- Picked up an ankle injury shortly before the hour mark passed and his departure certainly aided United as they pressed forward for an equaliser, which they eventually found before Ceballos' late winner.
DF Shkodran Mustafi, 6 -- Came unstuck when faced by the attacking threat of Oli McBurnie in the game's opening minutes, but Mustafi settled in and can reflect on a fair match in which he certainly didn't disgrace himself.
DF Sead Kolasinac, 5 -- A moment to forget when he failed to clear his lines in the seconds building up to Sheffield United's late equaliser. Will perhaps feel a little relieved to return south with a semifinal spot confirmed.
MF Ainsley Maitland-Niles, 6 -- Dynamic in midfield but lacked an assist to really add some spark to his performance. His versatility is proving key for Arteta, though, with Arsenal's injury list starting to build.
MF Joe Willock, 6 -- Fresh from scoring against Southampton in the Premier League, Willock's impact against United wasn't quite up to the standard set against the Saints earlier this week. Will be pleased escape the game injury-free after going down following a clash of heads.
MF Granit Xhaka, 7 -- Played an important role in midfield and picked out his passes well while at the other end of the pitch putting his body on the line to block a number of key shots and crosses.
MF Kieran Tierney, 7 -- Grew into the game well and proved to be a real threat on the wing as his crosses added some fizz to the Gunners' attacking options. Could be argued that his defensive work was off the boil but generally a sound display.
FWF Nicolas Pepe, 8 -- A clinical finish from the spot helped Arsenal establish a lead, which they couldn't immediately build upon. Wasn't short of chances to add to his tally and proved a general nuisance to United's defence.
FW Alexandre Lacazette, 7 -- A mixed bag for Lacazette as he lacked chances on target but managed to win a penalty in the first half that Pepe converted with ease. Was man-marked well and it could be argued that his effectiveness up front was hampered by the hosts' tight defending.
FW Bukayo Saka, 6 -- Another performance in which Saka displayed great willingness and determination, however that clinical edge was missing from his game. Perhaps falls into the same boat as Lacazette, though, as United generally defended their lines well.
Substitutes
DF Rob Holding, 6 -- Came on after Luiz picked up an ankle knock. Struggled to keep United out of the box as they pressed for an equaliser.
MF Dani Ceballos, 7 -- Found himself in the right place at the right time in the dying seconds to earn Arsenal a dramatic win.
FW Eddie Nketiah, 7 -- Pressed forward well on the left and his pass to Pepe helped create the visitors' winning goal.
DF Sokratis Papastathopoulos, N/R -- Came on too late to impact the game.