Both Arsenal and our opponents in the FA cup, Manchester United, have had a fairly up and down season. We have won games that maybe we shouldn’t have, played badly and lost, frustrated the fans and confused the critics, but we are both in the top four of the Premier League and both still have a great chance of a trophy.
With Chelsea and Man City already out of the FA cup, the quarter-final at Old Trafford on Monday could well be the game that decides who lifts the famous cup at Wembley in May. But both sides, or the managers of them at least, probably see this as the second priority, with the race to get one of the Champions League spots being the real goal for the season.
I think that the way we approach this game could be crucial, but I have to admit that I am not sure which way would be better for the Gunners. I feel that we should be adventurous and attack, as that seems to suit the players better. We have come unstuck a fair few times with that appraoch though, and the visit of Man UNited to the Emirates this season was a prime example.
Perhaps with a draw being a good result for us, it would make more sense for the Gunners to keep their powder dry and be cautious. That could even lead to an Arsenal win as it did at Man City and it decreases the chance that we lose. I just don’t think it is natural for us though and I believe that uncertainty of approach is what made us play so badly against Monaco, neither one thing or the other.
So do you think Arsenal should just do what comes naturally and hope for the best?