Arsenal overcame a tricky FA Cup quarterfinal in style by beating Everton 4-1 to progress to the semi-final stage. The Gunners looked comfortable, especially during a classy second half which put the match beyond reach.
Mesut Ozil showed glimpses of a return to form and it was the German who opened the scoring in the 7th minute with a sliding shot past Everton stopper Joel. Arsenal continued to press after the goal, but the visitors remained a constant threat and kept the hosts busy in the final third. The ever dangerous Romelu Lukaka grabbed an equalizer for Everton on 32 minutes when he netted after an impressive run and cross from supposed Arsenal target Ross Barkley.
The first half had been end to end and a good old fashioned exciting FA Cup tie, and after 45 minutes it was anybody´s game. The second period started in much the same way, with Arsenal and Everton going close on several occasions. However, it was the Gunners who broke the pattern to retake the lead and take command of the match.
Everton midfielder Gareth Barry tripped Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the box and a penalty was awarded, with Mikel Arteta stepping up to slot home for a 2-1 lead. The home team continued to look the most likely and the addition of Oliver Giroud from the bench proved decisive. The Frenchman arrived late in the game and added a third in the 83rd minute and then a fourth two minutes later.
Arsene Wenger was delighted that his troops won and progressed to a Wembley semifinal. A trophy is in sight for the manager after years of waiting, while he also said after the game that the team could use the confidence boosting win in their pursuit of the Premier League title.