Brighton 2-3 Arsenal: Arsenal cling on to FA Cup victory over Brighton

Arsenal's Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky (C) celebrates scoring his team's third goal with teammates during the FA Cup fourth round football match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal at The American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on January 25, 2015. AFP PHOTO

Holders Arsenal were made sweat by Championship side Brighton and Hove Albion before eventually prevailing 3-2 in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday to ensure they did not fall foul of another upset.

A day after Chelsea and Manchester City were stunned by Bradford City and Middlesbrough respectively, Theo Walcott put Arsenal ahead on 89 seconds before Mesut Ozil added a second midway through the first half.

Brighton pulled a goal back through Chris O'Grady but Tomas Rosicky restored Arsenal's two-goal advantage with an exquisite volley from the edge of the box.

Sam Baldock reduced the deficit with a neat finish on 75 minutes to set up a nervy finish for Arsenal but the holders stood firm to book their place in the fifth round.

Earlier on Sunday, substitute Diafra Sakho scored a late winner to give West Ham United a 1-0 victory over League One (third tier) side Bristol City, while Aston Villa beat Championship (second tier) leaders Bournemouth 2-1.