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LONDON. — English Premier League soccer teams Arsenal, Aston Villa and West Ham United reached the fifth round of the FA Cup as calm returned to the competition on Sunday, ending a weekend which reminded spectators that David can beat Goliath.

A day after Chelsea and Manchester City were stunned by Bradford City and Middlesbrough respectively, holders Arsenal beat second tier Brighton and Hove Albion 3-2, West Ham United overcame League One (third tier) Bristol City 1-0 and Aston Villa toppled Championship leaders Bournemouth 2-1.

Goals from Theo Walcott, Mesut Ozil and Tomas Rosicky helped Arsenal conquer an obdurate Brighton side and remain on course to defend the trophy they won last season after going nine years without silverware. “It was hard work,” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told the BBC. “A typical cup tie where the other team never gives up. We had to fight until the end but overall we were always leading and missed a few chances as well.

“I believe that is where we won the game (at the start). The results from yesterday maybe got us on our toes and we got off to a quick pace, and I think that surprised Brighton.”

Wenger admits watching Chelsea and Manchester City crash out of the FA Cup on Saturday acted as added motivation for Arsenal to beat Brighton on Sunday afternoon. The Gunners advanced to the fifth-round after holding off a fightback from Chris Hughton’s side and Wenger now believes his side have a chance of retaining the Cup.

He said: “We have a good experience from last year and we know everyone is difficult. We want to retain our cup.

“The results yesterday (on Saturday) were a subconscious warning for us. The teams play good football and if you’re not ready you can lose.

“We’ll be one of the favourites now with the other Premier League sides but I cannot predict whether we will win.”

Speaking to beIN Sports Wenger added: “We started very strongly and played at a good pace with quick combinations and won the ball back quickly. Overall that helped us to win the game.

“We were still in control at 3-1, but at 3-2 of course then they had more belief. It shows you how difficult it is psychologically in the cups. You think you have done enough to win but no, because the other team does not give up, which is what happened today.

“We had many players who had came back and maybe we dropped a bit physically. They gave it a go like a typical Championship team can do, that is why so many Premier League teams were surprised yesterday. We had to fight until the end as well.

“(The results on Saturday were) a huge surprise. You check twice to see if it is true or not because you don’t believe it but that is the cup and why people love football, it is only in our sport that lower division teams can beat those of the higher divisions.” — Soccernet.