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FA Cup: Hull City frustrate holders Arsenal

Last updated on: February 20, 2016 22:43 IST

Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

IMAGE: Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, right, reacts after missing a chance during the FA Cup match against Hull City. Photograph: Julian Finney/Getty Images

Holders Arsenal's long unbeaten run in the FA Cup continued but they were frustrated by stubborn Championship leaders Hull City on Saturday, drawing 0-0 in a dreary fifth-round tie at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsene Wenger's side piled on late pressure but could not find a way past the massed ranks of Hull's defence and will need a replay in their quest to become the first club in the modern era to win the competition three years in a row.

Despite overwhelming possession, the closest Arsenal came to breaking the deadlock was Joel Campbell's free kick that was tipped against the post by Hull's Eldin Jakupovic and Theo Walcott was also denied by the inspired goalkeeper.

With one eye on Tuesday's Champions League last 16 first leg at home against Barcelona, Arsenal made nine changes from the team who beat Leicester City last week to move to within two points of the top of the Premier League.

But promotion-chasing Hull went one better, making 10 alterations to their lineup from last week's draw with Brighton and Hove Albion.

Both Wenger and opposite number Steve Bruce face an unwanted replay, though, after a frustrating afternoon.

Chelsea host Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur face Crystal Palace on Sunday. Third tier Shrewsbury Town entertain Manchester United on Monday.

Reading shock West Brom

Reading have slid down to 15th in the Championship having won only once in the league this year, but goals from Paul McShane, Michael Hector and Lucas Piazon sent them through to the quarter-finals at West Brom's expense.

Captain Darren Fletcher put West Brom ahead but McShane and Hector headed in Oliver Norwood crosses before Piazon struck in stoppage time.

Premier League Watford avoided an upset against former winners Leeds when Scott Wootton's own goal proved decisive at Vicarage Road.

Source: REUTERS
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