Arsenal on course for cup hattrick
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Arsenal's Edu celebrates his goal against Leeds
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LEEDS, England -- FA Cup holders Arsenal launched their latest defense of the trophy in emphatic style with a 4-1 third round victory away to Premiership rivals Leeds United.
Arsenal, looking to become the first club in 118 years to win the trophy in three successive seasons, had trailed to a Mark Viduka effort after eight minutes.
But Thierry Henry and Edu put them ahead at half-time and Roberts Pires and Kolo Toure made sure towards the end at Elland Road.
Viduka's effort followed an embarrassing error from German international keeper Jens Lehmann.
His attempted clearance after a back pass from Sol Campbell was charged down by the Australian striker and the ball rebounded into the net.
The debt-ridden Yorkshire club, in the Premier League's relegation zone and in danger of going into administration, pushed forward looking for a second.
But Arsenal quickly regained their composure and Henry equalised in the 26th minute, blasting in with a right-footed half-volley after pouncing on Freddie Ljungberg's cross.
The France striker was also involved in Arsenal's second and third goals.
His pinpoint cross was met by Brazilian Edu in the 33rd minute and a pass to compatriot Pires three minutes from time allowed the midfielder to drill in from the center of the area.
Pires then crossed for Toure to score Arsenal's fourth in time added on.
Saha double is decisive
Louis Saha's last-minute winner saw Premiership high flyers Fulham secure a hard-fought 2-1 third round win over lowly Cheltenham at Loftus Road.
Cheltenham, 21st in the Third Division, stunned their hosts by going ahead in the fifth minute through Grant McCann.
But Manchester United target Saha soon settled Fulham's nerves, the Frenchman levelling just eight minutes later with his 14th goal of the season.
It seemed as if the visitors had done enough to earn a replay when Saha's far-post header in the closing seconds settled the match.
