Arsenal march into FA Cup semis on Everton’s expense

LONDON: A rejuvenated Mesut Ozil helped Arsenal secure a place in the FA Cup semifinals for the first time since 2009 on Saturday.

Arsenal beat Everton 4-1 at Emirates Stadium to become the first team through to the last four, with substitute Olivier Giroud scoring two of the hosts´ three goals in the final 22 minutes.

Yet it was the display of Ozil that stood out, the Germany playmaker responding to criticism of his lackluster recent performances by scoring the opening goal in the seventh minute, setting up Giroud´s second and working tirelessly for the team. "Physically he looked regenerated, with more power in his runs," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said, "and, as well, what I liked is he did a lot of dirty work for a player like him."

Arsenal has dropped off the pace in the Premier League title race by winning just one of its last four matches, and is unlikely to progress beyond the last 16 of the Champions League after a 2-0 home defeat to Bayern Munich in their first leg.

That means the FA Cup has become a priority for the Gunners, who are without a trophy since 2005, and it took the 61st-minute introduction of Giroud when the score was 1-1 to turn a tight contest against Everton.

The France striker, on for inexperienced and ineffective compatriot Yaya Sanogo, gave Arsenal more presence up front to allow the team´s attacking midfielders to shine.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was tripped by Gareth Barry for a penalty, which Mikel Arteta needed to convert twice - the first was ruled out for encroachment by Giroud, to give Arsenal a 68th-minute lead.

Giroud sidefooted home Bacary Sagna´s cross from close range in the 83rd and, after another flowing move, Ozil supplied a center for Giroud to apply another simple finish two minutes later.

Ozil has been criticized by English media in recent weeks while some Germany supporters directed their ire at the playmaker during the midweek friendly win over Chile.

But he was impressive here, slotting home neatly from Santi Cazorla´s pass to put Arsenal in front, only for Romelu Lukaku to equalize in the 32nd.

Everton youngster Ross Barkley squandered a great chance for the visitors in the 54th minute and it was all Arsenal after Giroud´s introduction. "It was important for us to win today," Wenger said, "on the psychological front."