For PL fans, an Arsenal versus Liverpool game in the third round is an exciting start to the FA Cup campaign; the round of 32 is generally boring when a Premier League team is drawn to play a team from a lower league (with the Premier League side always having an easier time).
As thrilled as we are about this game, the Arsenal and Liverpool players must have looked at it and wondered, “Why play this other early when this could be a clash in the final?” And also, to be fair to the smaller clubs still in it, it would be better that they faced a top team like Liverpool or Arsenal, because they will gain a lot more revenue from ticket sales.
But the fact is that Arsenal have gone winless in their past three games, and Mikel Arteta believes that this big clash with Liverpool in the FA Cup third round will be the start of something special.
In his first months in charge at the Emirates, the Spaniard won the FA Cup, defeating Chelsea and Manchester City along the way. He must be optimistic that he can make another victorious FA Cup assault while starting 2024 on a high and returning the Gunners to winning ways with a win over Jurgen Klopp.
“We have a great history in this competition with our two clubs. We have a big opponent to start with, and again make another beautiful journey,” Arteta told reporters.
“The draw is the draw. We played two weeks ago in the league. It was an incredible match, and I am sure it will be again.
“We don’t have a choice (on the draw). I am sure both teams would have been expecting or hoping for something different, but we have this incredible clash in the third round, and we have to cope with it. We expect a great game and a good run.”
The last time Arsenal played Liverpool, many fans thought Arsenal was too blunt in front of goal. Not being clinical denied them a victory, resulting in a 1-1 draw. Gabriel Jesus and his fellow Gunners should bring their shooting boots to smash the Reds this evening.
The objective is to win the league, but the Gooners will also be grateful if Arteta and the boys win the FA Cup, and if you are going to go all the way to have to beat whatever’s in front of you.
And tomorrow is Liverpool’s turn to lose!
Decent article but a daft headline, asking our opinion on the draw, which has nothing to do with what the article says, as the article does NOT ask us our opinion!
Who but a dimwit would NOT prefer an easy cup tie against a lowly team, to answer that needless question.
OFF TOPIC:I am currently watching the Sunderland Newcastle cup tie without game spoiling VAR, and much enjoying an old fashioned blood and thunder local derby not RUINED for once by ghastly VAR.
Honestly, do you need to be so rude. I agree with you but you can express your thoughts without that type of language
You are yet to know him, Mr itk
I’d prefer to play against a big team like Liverpool in the current FA Cup phase
If Arsenal lose, they can focus on UCL/ EPL and might be forced to replace some of their players
But then, GAI, we would lose further cup revenue and the opportunity to give playing time to those who desperately need it.
Surely we can focus on three competitions, after all we are The Arsenal!!!!
That is a fair point
I’m not sure what I want apart from an Arsenal win – mostly because as you point out, there is more revenue and the much needed boost it would bring to a team that looks slightly under the cosh.
Do you think that Arteta will rotate?
The profit from the FA Cup would be too small compared to the injury and fatigue risks
got an idea, Your post completely ignores the fact that the FA CUP is an important trophy in itself with huge prestige, being the single very oldest cup competition in the entire football world.
It is foolish thinking by so many people who have allowed the FA CUP to drift in importance ,in the wake of the “all conquering Prem league” that has excellerated that foolish waning in importance , by SOME people , for the FA CUP.
Most wise and traditional fans would give their eye teeth for their club to win such a prestigious .
But not you it seems, sadly. Sigh!
FA Cup might be prestigious historically to many English football fans, but I don’t consider it as important as EPL, UCL and EL because of the rewards
Yes we already knew that, as you already said it in the post above. It does not mean you are right though, simply that it is your opinion!
You are correct for saying that the FA cup should be considered important to us or anyother club. But it is also true that revenues gained from the CL and FA cup are also important to Arsenal. As you have said many times football today is big business. Arsenal likely to show a loss again in 2023 season, bringing us ever nearer the FFP line with all the inherent problems. Yes, its important to do well in all competitions from a footballing point of view but the business side of the equation cannot be ignored in todays world.
pat H, LETS TALK SENSIBLY. Nothing I wrote denies the sense you write, Of course we all , at least realists as I presume you are too, are ALWAYS AWARE of the need for more money.
Surely mature fans should take that as read, as it is so obvious that it need not be mentioned at all, as we ALL already KNOW its profoundly true.
BUT MY POST WAS ABOUT THE PRESTIGE AND IMPORTANCE OF THE CUP. And it IS of great prestige, esp to fans who are, at least to me, by far the most important people in football. All players, managers, owners are replaceable, but if the fans desert, then the game dies. REALITY!!
. For the reasons of fans, I always want to win the cup and also all others- save non football loving accounting type money men in CERTAIN clubs – will agree with me.
True or false??!!
Forget the rewards, assuming you mean £££, it’s the most famous cup game in the world and not to be to be dismissed !
I forgot to mention the difficulty level of FA Cup isn’t on a par with the levels of EPL, UCL and EL
No wonder, people call arsenal fans many names, a fan wants us to lose simply because he doesn’t want injuries, the is ridiculous, a competition that we are most successful in, players get injuries even without kicking a ball, if we can knock out Liverpool who is without sala and szobo, with an eye on efl semi in midweek then we can be second favourite to win the competition after City.. you want to win the Premier league and the champions league what are the chances that we can we that compared to our chances in fa Cup, Arteta’s position should be seriously considered if he goes trophyless again with the amount spent and time given, winning the fa Cup could buy him more time too