Arsenalâs nervy semi-final means Hull must be backed for FA Cup Steve Bruce's side are heavy outsiders in the betting but have a realistic chance of winning please log in to view this image No matter how much of a positive spin Arsene Wenger puts on his side booking an FA Cup final place, the manner in which his side did it will do nothing to change the narrative in the showpiece clash with Hull. For much of the semi-final against Wigan, Arsenalâs nervousness was etched all over the Frenchmanâs face. His players, despite having all of the ball, couldnât find a way through a Wigan side who were holding firm. After Jordi Gomez put the Championship side ahead from the spot, the turmoil of enduring yet another trophy-less season engulfed every Arsenal associate in Wembley. The fans got on Wengerâs back as he replaced Lukas Podolski, not Yaya Sanogo, with Olivier Giroud. The player himself showed an air of dissent as he trudged off. After Per Mertesackerâs equaliser with eight minutes remaining and Santi Cazorlaâs winning penalty, the reaction of the Gunners showed just how pressurised ending their barren silverware spell is. For that reason, the 12/5 about Hull prolonging Arsenalâs agony (and possibly ending Wengerâs north London career) is a bet to nothing. Steve Bruceâs side, who booked their return trip to Wembley with a 5-3 win over Sheffield United, have absolutely nothing to lose in facing the Gunners in the final. They can turn up and play without a care in the world, safe in the knowledge that the longer they keep Arsenal at bay, the more and more tense their opponents will become. Birmingham showed in 2011 how to play on both the Gunnersâ emotions and their hesitancy in finals and with the pang for a trophy now three years further fermented, the pressure can be Arsenalâs downfall whether Hull outperform them or not. Arsenal may have won the last five times these sides have met, but no match has mattered as much as their next clash and it could well be that thatâs the one they lose. http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/foo...mi-final-means-hull-backed-fa-cup_193840.html
We've put out spurs, Liverpool, Everton and Wigan (current cup holders who put out city in the previous round with a clean sheet) to reach the final. We've had the most difficult cup run of any team in the fa cup this season and made it to the final. Can't see this bunch letting the chance slip from there grasp when it's so close, they have more grit than the lot who lost to Birmingham (and let's not forget it was a fluke goal that actually ended the tie). But who knows, anything is possible in football!
"The ironic thing is this is the furthest Arsenal have travelled so far this season in the whole competition – a trip down the North Circular" Gregg Dyke 2014.
That maybe, however, we can enjoy the occasion whatever the result. Also we can relax and enjoy Sunday more than you can, all the pressure is on you guys. I also think Big Tom will have a few tricks up his sleeve come the 17th. We also owe you one from the way you controversial beat us the last time we met in the Cup. Revenge will be sweet. Last chance saloon for Arsene methinks.
Brucey's at it too: http://www.footballfancast.com/premiership/hull-boss-piles-the-pressure-on-arsenal
Arsenal should have most of there injured stars back for the Final and they will need them. Talk about a pressure game ? They have another tomorrow night @ home to West Ham in the PL. Our dress rehersal on sunday will be no indicator at all. Long and Jelavic will make sure of that.
Just think - we have this reputation of getting opposing managers sacked when they lose to us. Could we really add Wenger to that ever growing list?
Double for the FA Cup Final too. Their only chance of silverware in years and they lose to who?? Don't let the door hit your Arsene....
Tonight: Arsenal vs. West Ham. An interesting one for us. If West Ham lose, we have a chance of passing them; but if Arsenal lose, they could be in a funny frame of mind, come Sunday......
