FA Cup

A few weeks ago, Arsenal looked as the favourite to lift the Carling Cup, but things turned around and they lost to a lowly Birmingham in the final. They lost to the Catalans in the Champions League and now they have the game lost to Manchester United in the FA Cup.

Things have been tough for the Red Devils as they lost two consecutive premier league games to Chelsea and Liverpool respectively. But now it seems they have regained their confidence after gunning down Arsenal in the FA Cup clash at Old Trafford.

It was an unusual starting line up for the Devils as seven defenders came to the pitch against an attacking Arsenal. The Brazilian brothers Rafael and Fabio also started with Darren Gibson and O’Shea in the midfield and Chicharito partnered Rooney in the strike force. The inclusion turned out to be fruitful for Fabio as he scored the opening goal after Hernandez’s header was pushed away by Almunia and Fabio slid in the first goal of the match. Sir Alex was definitely proud of the young Brazilian and his god level strategy that worked out.

Van der Sar was the man of the day as he saved a curling strike by Van Persie and then a shot by Nasri which went through Wes Brown’s legs. The 40 year old was as athletic as a 20 year old, even lauded highly by Sir Alex.

One could clearly see the helplessness of Arsene Wenger as he stood by the touchline. But his halftime talk with the players did prove out to invoke a fighting spirit in them as they attacked United and nearly got a goal through Koscielny. The old gaurd was so alert that he kicked the ball away and then pushed it away again with his palms.

The Arsenal attack lasted just for a while as United got a breakthrough and found their second goal by Rooney. He headed the ball in the corner with a header which was not powerful but accurate. One could see Fergie jump out of his seat and fully excited after the second goal.

Anton Valencia played for the first time after nearly 6 months absence as his ankle was badly injured. Valencia played for the whole second half and did his duty good and even played a part in the second goal.

In the end it was a productive day for the Devils as they defeated Arsenal and proved their supremacy over them and made strong their premier league title aspirations.

Tags: Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, FA Cup, Football, Man United, Manchester United