Olivier Giroud helps Arsenal banish memories of Robin van Persie with two goals in FA Cup win at Brighton If Wenger summoned visions of craggy English forwards Giroud's goals were laced with a finesse that Van Persie would have been proud of. The first was a haughty left-footed curler from 18 yards, but the second really was from the school of Van Persie. Abou Diaby chipped a short, straight pass into the path of Giroud's angled run. The Frenchman brought the ball down on the turn and with his second touch fired home left-footed. If you squinted it could have been Alex Song feeding Van Persie last season. Giroud was naturally pleased with his contribution. My first goal? Not bad. Top corner. But I liked the second one, I made a good run and I finished very well, for me. Despite Giroud's goals Brighton would not lie down. Their new home on the hill at Falmer is a tribute to supporters who would not let their club die, and Poyet's team matched their tenacity. With Adam El-Abd and Iñigo Calderón committed, Liam Bridcutt outstanding in the holding role - he will play Premier League football soon even if Brighton do not - and Ashley Barnes a menace up front, they twice pegged Arsenal back. Both goals were made on Arsenal's left. André Santos wears No 11, which is no number for a full back, but the Brazilian is no full-back and his failings were painfully clear all afternoon. Barnes headed home from a short corner routine for the first and then made the second. Given the freedom of Hove by Santos he curled in a wonderful cross that the debutant Leonardo Ulloa finished with a diving header. The £2 million Argentine signed from Almeira is known as The Cyclone and he was certainly blowing pretty hard by the end, but offered enough to suggest he will give the Seagulls" promotion drive an uplifting gust. In the end it took the introduction of Walcott and Jack Wilshere to turn the game. Even then the decisive goal required good fortune, a weak punch from Casper Ankergren falling to Walcott whose shot deflected off El-Abd. While Brighton set their sights on the play-offs, Arsenal face Liverpool on Wednesday, when Giroud will get another chance to win over the doubters at the Emirates. RVP is gone, but the Frenchman is slowly making him easier to forget.