Swansea hold Arsenal, Liverpool edge through
Sunday, January 6, 2013
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Danny Graham's late strike secured Swansea City AFC a 2-2 draw and an FA Cup replay with Arsenal FC, before Liverpool FC beat fifth-tier Mansfield Town FC 2-1 to reach the fourth round.
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Danny Graham struck late to earn Swansea City AFC a 2-2 draw and an FA Cup replay away against Arsenal FC, before Liverpool FC progressed to the fourth round by triumphing 2-1 at non-league Mansfield Town FC.
Arsenal and Swansea will meet again in London on 16 January after their enthralling tie ended all square, Michu sparking the game to life after coming off the bench to slot in a 58th-minute opener for the hosts. That goal came against the run of play and the Gunners duly turned up their pressure, with substitute Lukas Podolski finally equalising as he swivelled to bury a left-footed effort with nine minutes to go.
Arsène Wenger's men then looked set to seal victory when left-back Kieran Gibbs thundered in a superb volley just moments later, having exchanged passes with Mikel Arteta. The match was destined for one final twist, however, as Graham calmly found the net following a corner with three minutes remaining.
In Sunday's other tie, Premier League giants Liverpool edged past fifth-tier Mansfield by the slenderest of margins, Daniel Sturridge putting the visitors on the road to victory with a debut goal for the Anfield club just seven minutes in. Luis Suárez then made it 2-0 close to the hour mark, but the Reds had to survive a late rally from the hosts after Matt Green reduced the deficit.
Sunday fixtures
Swansea City AFC 2-2 Arsenal FC
Mansfield Town FC 1-2 Liverpool FC
Monday fixture
Cheltenham Town FC v Everton FC