Arsenal Advance into FA Cup semis after 2-1 win at Sheffield United

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Dani Ceballos scored a late dinner as Arsenal reached the FA Cup semi-final with a dramatic 2-1 win at Sheffield United.

Nicolas Pepe's penalty seemed set to be the only goal at Bramall Lane, only for a boring game to spark to life in the closing stages.

Sead Kolasinac's poor clearance struck team mate Shkodran Mustafi to tee up David McGoldrick for an 87th minute equaliser seemingly sending the game into extra time.

However, substitute Dani Ceballos had other ideas as he beat Dean Henderson with a low shot from a tight angle to secure a date for Mikel Arteta's men at Wembley.

Nicolas Pepe capitalised on Chris Basham's clumsy clip on Alexandre Lacazette on the edge of the box as he converted from the penalty spot.

Sheffield, who had an early header from John Lundstram ruled out for offside after a VAR check, and Chris Basham squandered a glorious chance to atone for his mistake when he headed Jack Robinson's teasing cross wide at the back spot.

What does it mean? FA Cup offers hope 

The FA Cup could still provide a silver lining amidst the dark cloud surrounding the Emirates.

Arteta has fond memories of the FA Cup too, having lifted the trophy twice during Arsene Wenger's time at the helm. With a route to Europe looking tricky via the league, the FA cup could well be out their hopes.

As for Sheffield, they remain stuck in a rut. Although their return to the premier league is a success no matter what happens in the coming weeks, this is not the finish to their season that coach Chris Wilder would have wished for.

Key Facts:
* Arsenal's record signing again showed his worth as he scored. He is now up to 16 goal involvements this season, only Pierre Emerick Aubameyang(21) has more in the squad.

* Arsenal have progressed to the semi finals of the FA Cup for the fourth time in seven seasons. It is their 30th appearance at that stage, a record they share with Manchester United .

*  Sheffield United have now lost three consecutive matches across all competitions, for only the second time since Chris Wilder's appointment in 2016.

* The Gunners have now won seven of their last 10 matches in all competitions(L3), as many as they managed across the previous 27 matches beforehand(W7 D14 L6).

* Nicolas Pepe's penalty was Arsenal's first FA Cup goal from the spot since Mikel Arteta's penalty against Everton in a 2013-2014 quarter final tie.

* David McGoldrick has scored 2 FA Cup goals this season from 4 shots. However, he is yet to score in 23 Premier League appearances having having had 37 shots.

What next? 
Arsenal will hope to continue their form when they host Norwich City in the Premier League on Wednesday while Sheffield United host Tottenham Hotspurs a day later on Thursday. 

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