Some are wondering how strong a line up Unai Emery will field this Friday when Arsenal take on Man United in the FA Cup. For me I don’t even know why it’s up for debate. I’m not one of these fans who think players can’t play 3 times a week and need a rest, and I would hope everyone in our dressing room is demanding to be involved in this type of game.
It’s sad for the FA Cup that some supporters now see an advantage to being knocked out early. I have heard some Gooners say the same, based on us having to play 4 days later. Sorry do we really need to sacrifice a fixture to help us best Cardiff at home? Is resting key individuals really going to increase our chances of getting 3 points next Tuesday? I’ll word it the other way around.
If we knocked out Man United, would you really have your hands in your head saying, ‘now I don’t think we can beat Cardiff’!
Our best hope of making the top 4 is everyone being confident. You raise that by winning games. Imagine if we could follow up beating Chelsea by ending United’s run.
I always want silverware over European qualification. I accept though the difference between what you want and what you need. At the moment Arsenal FC need to be back in the Champions League. It won’t change Mr Kroenke’s ambition, but we need the lift of being back in the big time. I don’t see why we can’t target both. How does the Red Devils winning at the Emirates, building their confidence help us finish above them or Chelsea? What kind of a mood does that create for our next match, a weekend of United mocking us? The Cup remains our most realistic way for happiness, to create memories, to have something to show for our season.
Until we are owned by someone different, then we are not good enough to be putting our nose up at this trophy. We don’t really know Emery’s views on this competition, all coaches are different. He must be smart enough to know though that wholesale changes will be asking for defeat. The visitors are the inform side in the UK, their best players are in form, and they now play attacking football. If this tie was pre-Xmas, we would only be worrying how to get past a parked bus.
Having lifted this prize as a player, Solskjaer would be proud to do the same as boss which is why I’m certain he will bring his strongest unit (hopefully he plays a cup keeper?) The Norwegian will look at this competition as his best hope of landing his temporary gig permanent.
It’s Arsenal vs Man United
Friday Night
Flood Lights On
Knock Out Football
These are the special occasions that makes football special for us fans.
Can’t believe some would risk throwing that away to give us an advantage against ….. Cardiff?
Dan Smith