Arsenal end United's cup challenge

Holders Arsenal FC stayed on course to retain the FA Cup with an impressive 2-0 win at Manchester United FC in the fifth round in Saturday's early cup tie.

Strikers rested
Ahead of the resumption of the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger chose to rest both his first-choice strikers, Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp, but saw goals either side of half-time secure a memorable win.

Solksjær goes close
The game began at a frantic pace, with United's Paul Scholes and Ruud van Nistelrooij and Patrick Vieira of Arsenal all shown the yellow card inside the opening seven minutes. However, it was United who created the game's first chance, as Ryan Giggs' pass created an opening for Ole Gunnar Solksjær, but the Norwegian striker's shot hit the post and rebounded behind.

Astounding miss
The home side went even closer on the half-hour, as Giggs took advantage of a slip by Martin Keown to go clean through but, after rounding goalkeeper David Seaman and Sol Campbell, he sent his right-foot strike over a gaping goal.

Deflected goal
That proved a turning point, as Arsenal took the lead in the 34th minute. Brazilian midfield player Edu's free-kick from just outside the penalty area took a huge deflection that left United goalkeeper Fabien Barthez helpless, and looped into the net.

Well-worked second
It was 2-0 six minutes into the second period, with Edu again involved. His clever pass freed Sylvain Wiltord, who beat Wes Brown before shooting low into the net. Although the home team fought hard, looking for a way back into the match, Arsenal defended stoutly and thoroughly deserved their win.

Southampton safely through
In the afternoon games, Southampton FC moved through to the quarter-finals with a 2-0 home win against Norwich City FC. In a tight game, two goals in quick succession from Anders Svensson and Jo Tessem in the 71st and 74th minutes settled the result in favour of the Premiership team, while Norwich lost defender Malky Mackay to a late red card for a second bookable offence.

Sunderland slip up
Elsewhere, Sunderland AFC came unstuck against lower-ranked opposition, slipping to a 1-0 defeat at home to Watford FC, with the decisive moment a Tommy Smith penalty midway through the second half. Meanwhile, Sheffield United FC defeated fellow first division side Walsall FC, goals in either period from Tommy Mooney and Peter Ndlovu securing a 2-0 home victory.

Sunday's games
On Sunday, last season's defeated finalists Chelsea FC visit Stoke City FC, while Leeds United AFC face a tough test at Crystal Palace FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC are at home to third division Rochdale FC.