Why Arsenal Should Take the FA Cup Replay Seriously! by AT
Arsenal have definitely had the luck of the draw in the FA Cup this season. After consecutive home draws against Sunderland, Burnley and Hull City, the Gunners have been handed yet another home draw against Watford should they beat the Tigers in the replay at the KC Stadium. So once again, it seems as though the FA Cup seems to be a very achievable trophy for Arsene Wenger’s team.
Considering that Manchester City, Spurs and Leicester have all been knocked out of the prestigious competition, there is only a revitalised Chelsea side that possesses a real threat to the Gunners winning the FA Cup for the third consecutive season. So with that being said, I am really hoping to see Arsene Wenger take the replay against Hull seriously.
Make no mistake about it, the Premier League is the first priority but I would really like to see Le Prof fielding a stronger starting eleven when his Arsenal team take to the field at the KC Stadium. Now while I do understand that that is easier said than done as the match will take place just days after the North London derby, I really believe that it is still possible to field a side that is too strong for the Championship’s table-toppers.
Basically, Arsenal find themselves in a situation where the Premier League and FA Cup are both very achievable targets as a result of the other ‘big teams’ slacking off this season. To be honest, I think there is still some way to go for the Gunners to be able to win the Champions League. But this is perhaps the best opportunity to win the double and I really hope to see the boss give equal preference to both domestic competitions.
Anurag