FA Cup wrap: Arsenal, Stoke progress

Arsenal have advanced to the FA Cup fifth round with a 2-1 victory over Huddersfield Town, though it took a late penalty from Cesc Fabregas.

And the win was soured by a hamstring injury to star midfielder Samir Nasri, who limped from the field in the 33rd minute after pulling up lame chasing a loose ball.

The Gunners took the lead when Nicklas Bendtner’s attempt ricocheted off Huddersfield captain Peter Clarke in the 22nd minute, but the loss of Nasri and a red card to defender Sebastien Squillaci severely affected Arsenal’s rhythm.

Squillaci was given his marching orders three minutes before first-half injury time for blocking last man Jack Hunt’s run towards the area.

Huddersfield pressed for an equaliser in the second half and deservedly found one through Alan Lee, who met Anthony Pilkington’s corner with a menacing header that left Manuel Almunia no chance.

But the introduction of Fabregas after the hour turned the tide in Arsenal’s favour, with the talismanic captain making no mistake from the spot in the 86th minute after Bendtner was felled in the box by Jamie McCombe.

Elsewhere, Wolverhampton went down 1-0 at home to Stoke City after Nenad Milijas’ injury-time penalty was saved by Thomas Sorensen.

Robert Huth proved Stoke’s match winner with an 81st-minute header that settled a disappointing fourth round tie at Molineux.

The central defender outmuscled the Wolves defence at a corner to head home and seal the Potters’ first ever FA Cup win against their Midlands rivals at the seventh attempt.