Theo Walcott feels with Chelsea and Manchester City going out of the FA Cup, Arsenal have a big chance of retaining the trophy they won last year, after they booked a spot in the next round by beating Brighton this evening 3-2.
The Gunners flew out of the blocks at the Amex Stadium, dominating Brighton and taking the lead through Walcott in just the second minute of the match.
They were quickly two ahead when Mesut Ozil struck the back of the net in the 24th minute, sending Arsenal in 2-0 up at the break.
But Brighton would not easily lie down and pulled a goal back through Chris O'Grady in the 50th minute.
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Arsenal however restored their two-goal advantage in the 59th minute, Tomas Rosicky hitting a superbly struck volley.
Brighton did score again through Sam Baldock (75th minute) and then subjected Arsenal to a spell of pressure as they searched for the equaliser. It did not come though and they slipped out of the FA Cup.
For Walcott, coming through the test against a competitive Championship club is a big moment and he feels Arsenal have a good chance to now retaining the trophy.
"As defending champions it is our cup at the moment. All those teams going out means it is a massive opportunity", he told the BBC.
"We believe with the team we have and the players coming back from fitness we can beat anyone."
Walcott also believes players returning to fitness helps the Gunners, but stressed Brighton gave his side a tough game.
"We are getting players back to fitness and it is a competition for places now. It is nice to go through because it was very tough today."
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