The FA Cup is an incredibly special competition. In world football it is the oldest domestic knockout competition, steeped with history, legendary stories and dramatic shocks, none more so than in this years competition, when Bradford City beat Chelsea from two goals behind.
Reading, a team Bradford City failed to surpass in the Quarter Finals, are Arsenal’s opponents this Saturday at Wembley Stadium. Victory in the tournament last year as well as being a division higher than their counterparts makes Arsenal firm favourites in this tie. However, two dramatic Wembley ties in the competition last year proved that, on the day, any team is vulnerable of subsiding under the pressure that a game at Wembley brings. Pivotally, Arsenal managed, just about, to overcome the pressure and win the FA Cup, their first trophy in nine years. Historically speaking, for Wenger it was something of a familiarity and the achievement may lead him into FA Cup immortality as he looks to claim the trophy for the sixth time.
FA Cup History Beckons
The Arsenal manager of 18 years may not be someone who obsesses over individual achievements, but winning six FA Cups, equaling the all time record for FA Cup victories set by George Ramsay and simultaneously overtaking his old nemesis Sir Alex Ferguson on the way certainly will appeal to the Frenchman. It’s fair to say the spotlight isn’t purely on this impressive potential record going into the game this weekend. Wenger himself may be likely to emphasise the importance of another FA Cup win for this group of players particularly, as opposed to for himself. George Ramsay, described by Wikipedia as “secretary/manager” (outlining the distinct changes in modern football), set out an incredible record in 1920, winning his sixth FA Cup. In the modern era, great managers like Sir Alex Ferguson have come close, yet failed to match this achievement. For Wenger to do so would mark his place in history in the most pleasing fashion and draw attention to the magnificent managerial skills still at his disposal. It would also silence those critics who feel he is inadequate for the job; trophies might have been scarce at Arsenal but a record for winning them for the manager would add considerable irony to the argument put forward from those who want Arsene Wenger out of the club.
Form and past meetings
For Wenger to do this, he will be hoping for an easier ride than the 2012 League Cup encounter between the teams – a truly epic night of football. Arsenal managed to fall four goals behind in the tie, only to come back in the most dramatic fashion and eventually see out a 12-goal game by winning by an almost surreal score: 7-5. Another 7-5 seems unlikely, especially when you look at the form of the two teams going into the game:
Arsenal: WWWWWW
Reading: WLDDDL
Reading are still in a position where they would like to ensure survival in the Championship. Arsenal, on the other hand, are still in a position where the Premier League title is still, although unlikely, mathematically possible. As mentioned, Wembley can significantly change teams and their most effective style of play. Arsenal had to resort to penalties to see off Wigan in last years Semi-Final, then a two goal deficit in the final itself. If they have learnt anything, it will be the necessity of starting well and avoiding silly and inexcusable errors. Arsenal played very well against Manchester United to earn their place, they will need to ensure a consistent level of performance to see off Reading too.
Meanwhile, for Reading, it’s a case of picking up where they left off too. Against Bradford in the last round they were extremely dominant and looked like a side who thoroughly deserved their place in the last four of the competition. Basic logic says Arsenal should win, as well as the form the teams have displayed. This is the FA Cup though, already this year bigger shocks have happened and the holders Arsenal need to be wary of their opposition to ensure they don’t become an addition to the list of upsets the trophy has to offer throughout its extensive history,
Team News
Arsenal will still be without Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (hamstring), as well as Mikel Arteta (ankle). However, on the whole, the squad is in very good shape, considering the usual injury list that can be found at Arsenal. Jack Wilshere is aiming to be back for the game after Wenger revealed he had reached full fitness earlier this week. Reading will be without Anton Ferdinand (calf), but receive a boost through the positive news that Pavel Pogrebnyak and Nathaniel Chalobah have been passed fit for the game. With as close to a fully fit squad as you will ever see at Arsenal, this should provide a major advantage for The Gunners. There is quality in depth to be found, as well as a number of players who are surpassing expectations week in week out such as Hector Bellerin and Francis Coquelin. Nathaniel Chalobah could be key for Reading and their hopes to get something from the game, his pace may be enough to cause Arsenal problems. A packed midfield for Reading is also likely, but ultimately stopping an Arsenal side so dominant in terms off possession may prove to be very difficult for Reading.
Can Wenger make history?
The simple answer is of course yes. The importance of not underestimating opposition can be underlined through Arsenal’s last defeat: a 3-1 loss at home to Monaco back in February. Avoiding a Premier League side is certainly preferable though, something Reading themselves have learnt having not yet faced one in the tournament. If players like Alexis Sanchez, Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla, to name a few, perform anything like their best then victory should be relatively straightforward for an inform Arsenal side. If, however, Arsenal lie back and allow Reading to play, the equation becomes much more complex and a repeat of last years semi final becomes increasingly likely.
Arsene Wenger’s hunt for his sixth FA Cup and Arsenal’s hunt to retain the FA Cup trophy has been extremely convincing up until this point. If the run is to end now it would rely upon upon yet another dramatic shock in the cup, Reading have led Arsenal by four goals before, who knows what could happen this Saturday at Wembley if they exploit any Arsenal weakness on show. Wenger’s attempt to make FA Cup history is unlikely to come easy, more drama can be expected before he manages to get his hands on another FA Cup. The question still remains though – do Reading have enough to stop an Arsenal side who can’t stop winning?
