Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that he was delighted to see his side take control of their FA Cup fifth-round tie with Middlesbrough this evening, in a contest which saw the Premier League outfit prevail as 2-0 winners.
A first-half double from Olivier Giroud proved to be the difference between the sides at the Emirates Stadium, as the Gunners continued the defence of their trophy.
"We started well with a good pace and we controlled the game well with our movement and technical quality," Wenger is quoted as saying by BBC Sport. "We had good team focus overall, we maybe lost our cohesion a little bit at 2-0 but I am happy.
"Overall we were serious and focused over the whole game. We had a good day but Middlesbrough are a good side, it was important for us not to let them come back to 2-1 because they are good technically and are organised, they are a good team."
Arsenal, who will find out their quarter-final opponents tomorrow evening, now turn their attention back to league duties with a trip to face Crystal Palace next weekend.
Daniel Lewis
