arsenal entered the competition in the third round, receiving a bye as a premier league club. their opening match was a 2–0 home win against oxford united on 4 january 2003. bergkamp scored his 100th goal for the club and an own goal by defender scott mcniven ensured progression to the next round. arsenal faced non-league side farnborough town but the match switched from farnborough's ground at cherrywood road to highbury due to concerns over safety. farnborough as the home team began the match in disastrous fashion, conceding a goal scored by campbell in the 19th minute, and going down to ten men after christian lee was sent off for a professional foul. francis jeffers scored twice before rocky baptiste added a consolation, beating cygan for pace and despite having his first shot saved by goalkeeper taylor, he managed to lift the ball over him and into the net. lauren and bergkamp each scored in the final 15 minutes to give arsenal a 5–1 victory.