Tomas Rosicky curled two goals and Thierry Henry scored a third after an impressive solo effort as Arsenal beat Liverpool 3-1 in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday. Rosicky ran riots just eight minutes from the interval when he opened the score line with a smart volley before adding the second through a low shot. Dirk Kuyt pulled one back for the title holders in the 73rd minute but the Arsenal skipper's memorable goal after a darting run from the halfway line sealed the win. Liverpool have been handed a 3-0 drubbing in their first visit to Arsenal's new home, Emirates Stadium, in the Premiership this season.
Henry Rosicky broke the deadlock in the 37th minute after exchanging the ball twice with Alexander Hleb before sending an unpredicted volley over the stretched Jerzy Dudek, who was making a rare start for the Reds. The Czech Republic midfielder sent Arsenal to the lockers with a two-goal lead when he danced his way between Liverpool defenders before curling a low shot home in the 45th minute. Liverpool fought furiously to narrow the gap and Kuyt gave them a ray of daylight when he connected with Peter Crouch's header before Arsenal keeper Manuel Almunia to direct the ball into the back of the net. Hopes have been rife at Anfield as Liverpool came close through a Fabio Aurelio shot just after the goal, but Henry's superb effort ensured Arsenal's qualification. The France striker outmuscled England defender Jamie Carragher on the edge of the area after a bitter race from the halfway line, before sidestepping Daniel Agger and sending an ice-cool finish for the third goal.
