If Arsenal find ourselves coming towards the end of the FA cup quarter-final at Old Trafford tonight and losing by a single goal, then of course we will all be hoping for a late equaliser that would keep us in the cup. But Arsene Wenger must be hoping and praying that his Gunners team can get the job done at the first opportunity.
Because once again there seems to be no thought to the clubs involved when it comes to arranging the replays. After Bradford and Reading drew on Saturday, Liverpool could only manage a goalless draw with Blackburn at Anfield yesterday.
The timing of the replays is like a bad joke, with the two lower league clubs facing a cup replay just two days after their respective league fixtures this weekend. Harsh does not cover it. Liverpool, meanwhile, will have to wait almost a month before travelling to Ewood Park, with an international break to come before their replay.
I suspect it would be the same for Arsenal although you can never be sure what the FA will come up with next. As it stands, Liverpool´s replay will come a few days after they come to the Emirates in the league. If Arsenal have no cup game to consider that could be a big advantage for us as well.
So come on Arsenal, no messing about, get this tie won tonight!
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