Quarter-Final Highlights The FA Cup

Time to turn our attentions to the Cup.

Eight teams remain in this season's Emirates FA Cup as the quarter-final

weekend got underway and a trip to Wembley for the winners

First stop is the Emirates as Arsenal welcomed Lincoln City -

the non-league side who have taken this season's competition by storm.

Over the top for Robinson. Catch them if you can. This link loco is

not for stopping. Lincoln City are through in the dying seconds! It is

Robinson. It is three! They have only gone and done it. Their FA Cup

adventure continues. Brilliant! It is in! The first time in 103 years

the FA Cup has a non-league side in the last eight!

So this is history in the making.

They standard their incredible journey in front of 765 spectators

and now the eyes of the football world are on Lincoln City as they

strive to become the first non-league FA Cup semifinalists

since 1912. Arsenal 12 times cup winners should win but given the

wretched week they had, who knows. A collective of brilliantly

inconsistent individuals against a consistent individual collector.

Arsene Wenger lay down a challenge to his players to show they care as

he makes just to changes. Kieron Gibbs coming on. Lincoln unchanged,

and they have three Arsenal found in the side including Jack Muldoon who

will still be in a Pilates class with his mum on Thursday.

It is a noisy Emirates Stadium and the Lincoln fans are making all the

noise. Bold run again from Kieron Gibbs forcing the corner. Short

corner. Kieron Gibbs. Incomes Koscielny and Olivia Shirov. Back to

Walcott. Koscielny Bacchin and squeezed out by Luke Waterfall. Good

save from Paul Farman. Denying Theo Walcott a fifth FA Cup goal this

season. That is the closest we have come so far.

Arnold. Nathan Arnold! Petr Cech said but only just. Nathan Arnold

nearly wrote himself into the pages of FA Cup folklore. Petr Cech denied

him. The best that we have seen from Lincoln City and that is what Nathan

Arnold can do to you. Kieron Gibbs. Mesut Ozil, virtually the whole game

has been played in the Lincoln house. Arsenal have created very

little, Lincoln have stopped them doing so. Nearly wet all the way

through, Olivia Shirov. Pushed away by Paul Farman. Got a second

quickly. Here's Aaron Ramsey. Mesut Ozil. A little mob. Olivia Shirov,

back in for Theo Walcott and he gets it now. Theo Walcott! Arsenal have

the lead on the stroke of half-time. Lincoln City, their first-half

endeavours undone and can they now come back is the big question? Theo

Walcott, his fifth goal in the FA Cup run this season. No player left

in the competition has scored more than him. Placed it well. Lincoln

failed to get the second ball away. Deflected, bad as the big

deflection. Arsenal really had to work for it. Lovely ball slid up to

Olivia Shirov. Kieron Gibbs arriving. Olivia Shirov, parried by

the goalkeeper. Kieron Gibbs! Could not get over the ball. Paul Farman

did well to stop that from Olivia Shirov because it came from behind a

defender. Paul Farman could only parry. Kieron Gibbs could not put

in. Theo Walcott coming away from his man who allows him to ten. -- to

turn. Mesut Ozil. Ms kick, Theo Walcott. Bellerin, Olivia Shirov and

it is 2- nil. Well worked by Arsenal, they cut through Lincoln

City and they're heading to the FA Cup semifinals barring a miracle

comeback the National League team. Movement on and off the ball, Theo

Walcott got into that position with clever movement. Good run from

Bellerin. The comeback nice and simple, the goal simply executed.

But this game has been far from simple for Arsenal. And the Cowley

boys have got to comeback from two down. Arsene Wenger said today in

this match programme notes, it was the Arsenal challenged to show care.

And they have done today, I think. Bellerin. To Mesut Ozil. Space for

Kieron Gibbs. Here is Alexis Sanchez. Out to Bellerin, lovely

touch with Doctor terrific effort but wide. Did everything right

except put it in the back of the net. Tried to bend it, just wide.

Lincoln City now look like a team that has played 46 games this

season. Since the turn of the year they have been playing weekend,

midweek, we can, midweek and will continue that way through the rest

of the season. Here is Alexis Sanchez. Mesut Ozil, Bellerin. Mesut

Ozil has been as bright as a button since he came on. Alexis Sanchez to

Kieron Gibbs. It is in off Luke Waterfall. Arsenal have a third.

Lincoln City had held their own but suddenly Arsenal home and dry.

Pre-nil to Arsenal. -- three. Alexis Sanchez.

Brilliantly placed for an Arsenal fourth. They have put Lincoln City

to the sword in the end. From the moment Bradley would miss timed this

lunging tackle, Alexis Sanchez was favourite and has the class to

produce that kind of finish. Arsenal have passed the ball well today and

Lincoln had to do so much chasing. They look exhausted. Back to Alexis

Sanchez. Clever movement again from Mesut Ozil. Poorly placed. Back to

Alexis Sanchez. At the far post. And walked into the back of the net for

an Arsenal fifth. Aaron Ramsey completes the victory. Lincoln City

are out on their legs after such a wonderful odyssey through the FA

Cup. Perhaps more history in this season but accommodation lies ahead

for Arsenal but the team who have stirred Romeu back into the FA Cup,

Lincoln City, are beaten team. -- stirred romance.

Petr Cech made sure of that he had to make the save. The Lincoln boys

are tired now. All credit to Arsenal. That is poor. It hits the

bar. Aaron Ramsey teed himself up. Lovely effort by Alexis Sanchez.

There is the final whistle. Lincoln City, they run comes to an end, the

end of the Odyssey. They've done the FA Cup proud, the name of football

proud. But there are beaten team at Arsenal today.

In the second half Arsenal were frightening and it was a pleasure to

see world-class players first time. Prasad felt like a long 45 minutes.

It felt like Arsene Wenger had brought 15 players onto the pitch

second half. We respect we will be fish and chip paper at Monday

morning but if we can learn from experience today, playing against

world-class players and throughout the FA Cup journey, then we will be

better players and better people as a consequence. That is what we must

make sure we do. They were well organised, they have clarity in

their mind off what they wanted to do. And to give credit to the

manager, when he gets that across to his team. The way he dealt with his

players after the game, I think he has done exceptionally well. I know

what they're like, they are winners and they would have been

disappointed and I did not want them to miss this opportunity to

celebrate with our supporters. Because we are not celebrating the

loss, we are celebrating the journey we have had. It has been a tough

week, one of the toughest in your career? I do not know. When I have a

problem I always just try to sort it out. I am competitive. Always

focused on solving the problem is that I face. And when you have

sorted one out you straightaway have another. Sometimes the size of the

problem is bigger and sometimes a bit smaller but you do not worry. It

was crazy, all the game, I just could not stop smiling. I was

turning around and smiling at the fans, it was on rail just a brush

shoulders with the likes of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, basically

the whole team was world-class. That will live long in the memory. Couple

of times I gave my head shake and any time there was a break in the

game I was trying to take in as much as I could because it will probably

not happen again in my career. What mementos have you got from the day?

I have got Petr Cech, he signed his shirt for me. That will go up in my

man shed in the bottom of the garden!

We are all the same, the Romantics amongst us wanted something to come

from that but it was a step too far. Arsenal are classified odyssey. But

the first 40 minutes or so, they were a match for them. They were a

match for them. And defensive qualities were superb. In general

looking at the achievement, for a national team to get to the

quarterfinals in the FA Cup is a great achievement. As a collective

the club and fans are so proud of what they have achieved. Looking at

the organisation defensively, it does not happen by accident. This is

work and preparation by the managers, the players, buying into

this belief that they can keep Arsenal and Bay and they did that

for the best part of 40 minutes. Getting bodies behind the ball,

affecting the ball, not letting Arsenal penetrate. Making them go

around the sides. Arsenal have the lion's share of possession. Getting

amongst the Arsenal players, not showing them too much respect. I

thought it was excellent. Nathan Arnold working really hard. And the

central defenders were exceptional. They were so physical in the box,

powerful. Stayed alive to the second phases of the game. And put pressure

on the ball. This is against Arsenal. The better team against

Bayern Munich midweek for the first part of the game. And they kept them

at bay and when they got the chance to go for it they looked dangerous

.biz from Nathan Arnold, a great move. Ghost to the side and it takes

an unbelievable saves from Petr Cech. That could have been 1- nil.

And then you find out about the character of the Arsenal team. The

revitalised the FA Cup. The Romantics, the fairy tale. They have

been absolutely incredible. As good as they wear and is well organised,

were you surprised that Arsenal seemed just not to have enough

aggression or commitment. In the first half they did not seem to

really be mentally in that match. Arsenal did not want to make

mistakes. The handbrake was firmly on. This goal that Theo Walcott

scores, they got very static, Lincoln. They defended well, though.

It was one pass after another. It was a cool finish, just before

half-time. Perfect for Arsenal. It is some accolade to see to Lincoln

that Arsenal needed a goal to settle down. They should be better, and

they were in the second half. The goal from Giroud wrapped things up

in the second half. Arsenal use this as an exercise to get back to where

we expect them to be. They played with swagger, but Lincoln can leave

the stadium with their heads held high. Trevor, you have personally

invested in this journey. You have been to the club a few times. You

have observed the brothers. What will they take from this experience,

apart from the financial rewards? They will remember it for the rest

of their lives, and so will the fans. There will be a large sense of

achievement, pride. Danny Cowley was talking to the players after the

game, saying, enjoy this, the fans have turned out. 9000 at the

Emirates Arena, an amazing achievement for a National League

side. There are six points clear in the league. The players have bought

into it at the football club. They have a big future, the team and

certainly the manager. The community is engaged as well. We

all appreciate what they have done. The day's other tie took place

at the Riverside as Middlesbrough, struggling in the Premier League,

welcomed Pep Guardiola's Manchester Pep Guardiola says of Manchester

City do not win any silverware and it will not be a good season as he

lives to lead them into their first ever semi-cup -- first FA Cup

semifinal in four years. Any sort of left for Middlesbrough would be

welcome in their predicament. Those on Adam Clayton's mother's side of

the family are all City fans. For one day, they are hoping that he can

help Middlesbrough upset the odds. Claudio Bravo maintains his run of

starting in the FA Cup. He has kept only six clean sheets in his 25

appearances for the club. He looks to help City to their first

semifinal in four years. The third bottom in the Premier League against

third top in the Premier League. Forget about domestic issues for at

least 90 minutes. Middlesbrough zero Manchester City out of the FA Cup in

four of their last five meetings. They will have to put in a

performance to continue that in this particular game.

Zabaleta is free. Surely it will go in in the end? It does from David

Silva. Disastrous from Middlesbrough, just past the two

minute mark. Manchester City already in front. David Silva has weighed in

with his sixth goal of the season, his second in the FA Cup. Look at

the space that Zabaleta Kaz. Then David Silva made absolutely sure.

Totally unmarked. They could not miss. Middlesbrough, who outscored

only 19 league goals all season, have to find one against the team in

the top three in the Premier League. 4500 Manchester City fans have come

north. They are in good voice. Manchester City giving away

possession unnecessarily cheaply. The cross from Fabio was blocked by

Sterling. The first cross of the cup tie for Middlesbrough. This may be

an area that Middlesbrough feel they can profit from. Leadbitter's

corner. And they have not. Claudio Bravo almost conceding. This is the

second one. Gestede, just over. Middlesbrough thought they were

over. Zabaleta was the important defender. Bravo was unconvincing.

This could be problematic for Middlesbrough. Silva had time. De

Bruyne could not get there, beaten to it by Fabio. NICE survive. --

Middlesbrough survive. That was wonderful from Silva. Sane. It

should have been 2-0. He would agree. Watch this from David Silva.

Sliding behind Sane but he should have made better contact than that.

Really well done by Sane. Waltzing his way through. Sterling was beaten

to it. An injection of pace, the drop of the shoulder. He was past

Barragan. He could not pick out Raheem Sterling.

The cross from de Roon. The header from Stuani. Straight at Claudio

Bravo. This is what Middlesbrough have to do, be direct.

Toure looking for the ball over the top. Back from De Bruyne. Can

Sterling finish? He cannot. Another Manchester City chance goes begging.

No wonder he looks worried. They should have been out of sight. He

had time, it took the touch. Then he got underneath it.

Fabio, outnumbered in the end. This is De Bruyne, with Sterling on his

right. He has seen him. Raheem Sterling, looking for Aguero.

Middlesbrough survive, yet again. Sterling's delivery, the perfectly

timed run from Aguero. There was a touch from Guzan. Just the faintest

of touches to take it on the post. Silva, with space and time. Back to

Silva. It was a good strike. It has been sent away for a corner by

Guzan. He had time to assess the situation, David Silva. The keeper

was at full stretch. That is cleared only as far as Sane. The German

international might fancy a try. Guzan was required again. It was an

excellent effort from Sane. It was definitely going in. It was well

watched by Guzan. He does not want any dramatic the Manchester City end

in the remaining minutes. 21 trophies in seven seasons as a

manager. He is close to taking another step towards one in his

first season at Manchester City. The Sane, in full stride. -- Sane,

in full stride. Into worse Aguero. Finally, the scoreline has a more

realistic look about it. Sergio Aguero, four in four in the FA Cup,

with the goal that could see his team in an FA Cup semifinal for the

first time in four years. Created by Sane. What about that for a

delivery? Aguero did the rest. It has been a long time coming, but

eventually City have the two goal advantage.

That was awkward for Guzan. Sterling following in. He is offside. Aguero

with the drop of the shoulder. As he struck it, Sterling was probably

offside. It was a close call. He is taking on Otamendi, going

around him. Towards Negredo. Then Fabio. Virtually of the line by

Stones. That would have made it interesting. Fabio had to head it.

Stones had to clean it. It was outstanding, from the beginning. The

goal was the consequence of our approach, it was brilliant. There

was one period in the first half, for 15 minutes, we missed easy balls

and you can always see the counterattack. Middlesbrough are

dangerous with the crosses. It was a good performance in the second half.

I regret how many chances we created and how few goals we scored. Even

conceding the goal, the team was good, the crowd was good. The last

game were awful for us. I was a little bit concerned with the

atmosphere, especially when we conceded the first goal. But this

group has been working together for the last three years. It was

important to win the game in 90 minutes. Especially because we

played a couple of days ago against.... We have a massive game

on Wednesday against Monaco. It was really good to go through to the

next round. -- against Stoke. It will be special to go back to

Wembley. When I was a football player, we played the final

Champions League at the old Wembley. When I was Barcelona manager, I won

a second Champions League at Wembley. I have good memories.

People talk about the atmosphere, Saturday and Sunday, four teams,

four sets of supporters. I am very pleased to be able to live that.

Those goals are fast as that Manchester City of scored in any

competition this season. The speed of their start maybe Middlesbrough

start look even more sluggish and the defending worse. Karanka said he

thought his team were magnificent, but there are things they could do

to improve. City clean out this area for Zabaleta. Fabio is not there.

Then 12 -- Stuani could help him. The midfield players could get out

quicker. I am not sure what Fabio is doing. The two central defenders on

the right without taking anyone up. But Fabio can rescue everything.

They can see the whole picture. He could stay with Sterling and does

not. It is a simple finish. The organisation, then 12 Mac is here.

What is Fabio doing? The need to get the screen in front. But the setup

like this. Zabaleta will wander into that area. This one does not come

off. They kept doing it. Fabio was sleeping at the far post. This time

it is De Bruyne that comes in. It should have been 56, the chances

that City had. Guardiola has never finished the season without winning

a trophy. They have scored 15 goals in the FA Cup. They looked good at

the moment. They had only won three and 12, Boro, and they were in the

FA Cup. Tough times for them. For Man City, it was the David Silva

show. Yes, they missed him against Stoke. He makes them tick. He is so

competent on the ball. It is unbelievable. Sane and Sterling

complements David Silva's magic. If there is one thing he could improve

on, it is his finishing, being more clinical in the final third. The

timing of his past cause than overload. It was a brilliant cross

from Sane. We know that Aguero gets in the box and scores goals. His

impact on the game, the way he dictates play, he is the best in

this position in the Premier League since he arrived. The best chance of

silverware for Guardiola, the FA Cup? I think so, being a realist.

His third trip to Wembley, once as a manager, once as a player, and now

with Manchester City. That's two quarterfinals completed

and two more to come, including So Jose returns to the Bridge as

Chelsea take on Manchester United. BBC One, at 7:30, with

Frank Lampard joining Gary, Before that, we've Spurs

against League One Millwall on Sunday afternoon -

Teddy Sheringham our special guest. progress in the cup,

but Lincoln still give Good job, guys.

We totally nailed it. This year, fundraising kits are

going to be sent through the post.