Olivier Giroud the hero again after Arsenal flirt with disaster against Preston

Olivier Giroud scored for a fourth game in a row as Arsenal survived a major scare, coming from 1-0 down to eventually beat Preston 2-1 in the third round of the FA Cup.

Callum Robinson put the hosts ahead in only the seventh minute and Preston could and should really have been further ahead at the break against a very poor Arsenal.

Arsene Wenger’s half time talk seemed to have the desired effect, however, and the Gunners were a far better side after the interval, Aaron Ramsey immediately pulling them level with a stunning drive before Giroud popped up with his customary late goal from Lucas Perez’s excellent backheel.

The result means that manager Wenger has still yet to taste defeat in the third round of the FA Cup.

Preston rue missed chances. It should have been their day but for that killer final ball and prowess in front of goal.

Aiden McGeady (Preston): Tough for many of the Preston boys to end up on the losing side so it goes to the industrious Irishman.

Preston: Maxwell 6, Vermijl 6, Clarke 6, Huntington 7, Cunningham 7, Gallagher 7, Pearson 6, Johnson 6, McGeady 8, Robinson 6, Hugill 7. Subs: Browne 6, Horgan 6, Makienok 7.

Arsenal: Ospina 6, Maitland-Niles 6, Mustafi 6, Gabriel 5, Monreal 6, Xhaka 6, Ramsey 7, Oxlade-Chamberlain 6, Iwobi 6, Lucas 7, Giroud 7. Subs: Holding 6, Reine-Adelaide 6, Welbeck 6.

7’ – GOAL! Preston 1-0 Arsenal. What a start for Callum Robinson. Stemmed from the break from McGeady, it falls fortuitously for Robinson and he tucks it away.

23’ – GOOD BLOCK! And an important one from Mustafi as Hugill's cross finds Robinson and his header is blocked. Hint of an arm?

24’ – CHANCE PRESTON! Now Robinson breaks the offside trap and he should put it on a plate for Hugill to tap home but it’s too far in front of him. Arsenal all over the place.

37’ – PRESTON CLOSE: Another mistake by Mustafi and Gallagher is almost in. He hooks it towards goal and Monreal clears off the line.

46’ – GOAL! Preston 1-1 Arsenal. And it’s a fantastic strike from Ramsey, who smashes home from the edge of the box. Something from nothing.

89’ – GOAL! Preston 1-2 Arsenal. And it’s another late Olivier Giroud heartbreaker. He runs onto a great flick on from Lucas to sidefoot home with his left foot.

The Lilywhites have won one of their last 15 FA Cup games against top-flight opposition, their solitary win a 4-1 away hammering of Derby in January 2008.

The Gunners have a near imperious recent record against lower league opposition in the FA Cup, losing just one of their last 37 ties (0-1 v Blackburn in February 2013).