Diamanti 45 + 2        Ramsey 78

                                                                                                                 Eduardo 83

Two late goals in the space of five minutes saved Arsenal from being the second of the EPL’s big four to exit the FA Cup in the space of four hours.

Arsene Wenger’s side fell behind to an Alessandro Diamanti strike in stoppage time at the end of a slightly lacklustre opening period.

But the goal inspired a rip-roaring second half. And although Arsenal’s class told after they introduced Abou Diaby and Samr Nasri from the bench, the Hammers arguably did enough to force a replay.

The Gunners dominated early possession, but Hammers keeper Robert Green was only tested by a long-range effort from Eduardo on 17 minutes.

Diamanti forced a fine right-handed save from Arsenal keeper Lukasz Fabianski in the 27^th minute, while Thomas Vermaelen skied over with his left-foot from 12 yards after Green had failed to get full distance on a punch.

West Ham went ahead when Diamanti beat an ill-timed offside trap and slid the ball left-footed past Fabianski, the keeper getting his left hand to the shot before it rolled home.

It was end-to-end stuff after half-time. Fabianski was at full-stretch to turn away Roger Stanislaus’ powerful shot on 49 minutes.

Arsenal finally got into their stride after Abou Diaby and Samr Nasri were brought on.

Green made a wonderful double stop to deny Diaby and Alexander Song on 72 minutes. And the Gunners were level six minutes later when the ball broke to Aaron Ramsey from Carlos Vela and the Welshman’s left-foot shot flew past Green’s left-hand.

Diaby was off the pitch when Arsenal grabbed their 83^rd minute winner. Eduardo leapt prodigiously to powerfully head Vela’s left-wing cross into the top corner, Green getting a touch but unable to keep the ball out.

Green denied Ramsey again in stoppage time, but a third would have been harsh on the Hammers, although Arsenal were, eventually, worthy winners.