Stoke stun Arsenal to reach fifth round of cup

Two goals from Ricardo Fuller knocked Arsenal out of the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday as Stoke City recorded a 3-1 win at the Britannia Stadium, dpa reported.

Premier League title-chasing Arsenal became the latest victims of the traditional FA Cup upset, as they followed Manchester United and Liverpool out of this year's competition.

Arsenal began the afternoon hoping to join favourites and holders Chelsea, who defeated Preston on Saturday, in the next round but suffered the worst possible start just one minute into the match.

With just 70 seconds gone, a long throw from Rory Delap caused havoc in the away defence and striker Ricardo Fuller was able to beat goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski to head the ball home from close range.

The visitors fortuitously pulled themselves level just before half-time however, as Brazilian midfielder Denilson's low shot deflected past Thomas Sorensen in the Stoke goal.

Arsenal were the better side for most of the second period but were made to pay 12 minutes from time as Fuller grabbed his second goal of the game. The striker fended off Sol Campbell, on his return for Arsenal, to head Mamady Sidibe's excellent cross past Fabianski.

And with just four minutes remaining on the clock, Dean Whitehead's close finish sealed the game for the home side from Matthew Etherington's inviting cross.

Later on Sunday, Manchester City travel to struggling Championship side Scunthorpe United in the last match of the fourth round.