Emile Smith Rowe came off the bench to fire holders Arsenal into the FA Cup fourth round with an extra-time goal against Newcastle – but only after he had a red card overturned by VAR.

The substitute was given his marching orders by referee Chris Kavanagh for a tackle on Sean Longstaff at the end of the 90 minutes, but the card was downgraded to a yellow after the pitchside monitor was used.

It proved decisive with Smith Rowe grabbing the opener in the 109th minute before captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang confirmed the victory eight minutes later with a tap-in to wrap up a 2-0 success.

Xhaka forced Dubravka into a wonderful save from his fierce volley early in the first half of extra time before the opener arrived.

Arteta saw three of his substitutes combine, with Saka involved before Alexandre Lacazette headed into Smith Rowe’s path and the playmaker fired into the bottom corner.

There was still time for Aubameyang to grab only his sixth of the season eight minutes later when he tapped in Tierney’s centre to send the holders into the fourth round.