Defending champions Arsenal reached the FA Cup fifth round but were
forced to hang on for victory against a spirited Brighton side at the
Amex Stadium.
Mesut Ozil then made it 2-0 when he slotted in from inside the area.
Tomas Rosicky volleyed home a sublime third after Chris O'Grady had reduced the deficit, before Sam Baldock's effort set up an exciting finale.
Arsenal should have been comfortable by then, however, unlike Chelsea and Manchester City, they avoided the ignominy of going out to lower league opposition and will be strongly fancied to defend their title.
As for the Seagulls, aside from the goals and some late pressure, their forays into the opposition area were few and far between with Baldock's wayward strike from eight yards their only other clear chance.
Manager Chris Hughton - appointed as Sami Hyppia's replacement on New Year's Eve - will now fully concentrate on Championship survival, while his counterpart Arsene Wenger will fancy his side's chances to defend their title with 10 Premier League sides out, including Chelsea and Manchester City.
Saturday's best FA cup goals
Walcott showed signs he is close to full match fitness since returning from a nine-month injury absence, and gave the Gunners an early lead when he converted Calum Chambers right-wing cross with a precision finish.
And Ozil, who himself has been hindered by injury and poor form, produced a competent display, scoring the second when he steered his shot past David Stockdale.
Two-nil scorelines do not guarantee cup victory as Chelsea found out against Bradford, so when O'Grady drilled in after holding off Calum Chambers some in the Amex Stadium must have thought a repeat was on the cards.
But back came the Gunners with 34-year-old Rosicky scoring the goal of the match when he struck a stunning low volley after a cute one-two with Olivier Giroud.
Baldock made amends for his earlier miss with a clipped finish as Brighton again threatened to dampen Arsenal's day, but it was not to be.
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