Arsenal now know which club will be our opponents for the first game in the attempt to make it three FA cup trophy wins on the spin and it could have been a lot easier for the Gunners as we are going to play one of the five all-Premier League ties.
It could have been worse for Arsenal as well though, as Sunderland are a side we should beat and we have already done so this season with last weekend’s 3-1 victory in the league. The tie is also to be played at the Emirates Stadium so that is another plus point in our favour.
Our first FA cup game of the season is scheduled for Saturday January 9th and this would be okay as we do have to travel to face Liverpool at Anfield the following Wednesday but the cup date could be changed for the TV schedule and that could give us a problem.
Liverpool already have home advantage and a nice easy cup draw against Exeter City, three divisions down and I would not be surprised if the TV dates went against us as well. First off we just need to beat the Black Cats again, get our FA cup defence off to a flyer and avoid an unwanted replay.
If we do that, Sunderland will be joined by at least four more Premier League clubs in being knocked out and two of those could well be Man City and the spuds who have been drawn against EPL clubs Norwich and Leicester. So is the draw good or bad for the Gunners?
Yes it could have been worse but could have been better lol.
It’s always better to play a lower League team in the early round. No guarantee of winning but it helps our team with rest and rotation
Sunderland can still beat us. They will play a strong squad against us. We may need to rest key players
One key here is playing at home – it is a big advantage.
Remember, 2 years ago Arsenal won the cup even though they had 3 tough draws of EPL clubs – (Everton, LPool, Spurs) but they were all played at the Emirates which really helped.
Sunderland at home is not so bad. If Arsenal can’t handle that match, they do not deserve to advance.
The FA had to rename it the Emirates FA Cup because that is where it is staying!