Lies, damned lies and statistics

As a result of our disappointing loss to Stoke City in the FA Cup, the backlash from the Gooner faithful has been fierce and if I'm honest, downright disappointing.

I, as much as anyone, was disappointed at the result and despite being ever-optimistic, had a real sense of what was to come after Stoke's early goal. The FA Cup was a real possibility for us this year, given how we reached the semi-finals last season with a much poorer team. In the immediate aftermath of defeat, some of the opinions being spouted were downright nonsensical.

Let's have at look at the team selection, which bore much of the flak from fans. It was arguably a "Carling Cup" defence, with 4th and 5th choice centre backs (counting Djourou as third choice, naturally) playing, as well as a third-choice left back, and a right back who is really a central midfielder, but probably comes low down in the pecking order below Sagna, Eboue and Gilbert. Of those selected, Gallas has been playing "on the brink" of injury according to Wenger, while Vermaelen and Clichy weren't fit for the game. Sagna, who anybody could tell was carrying a shoulder injury due to the fact he had other taking throws for him, would have been a foolish gamble.

So really, who else could've played? Where are the areas the team could've been strengthened? My only criticism would be the decision to send Gilbert out on loan: why not wait until later in the transfer window to sign off on the deal, given Wenger knew Sagna was carrying an injury?

Onto the midfield, and here lies the evidence of Arsène seeking the win. Denilson and Fabregas have been ever-present in the side this season (and rightly so), while Eastmond was our best alternative in the holding role after proving himself capable of dealing with a hostile away game at Bolton. Who else could've played here? We had Ramsey on the bench, despite a three week absence being predicted for him. Given his speedy recovery, involving him from the start would have been a foolish risk, and the young Welshman is neither a better option in central midfield than Cesc or Denilson, nor a better holding player than Eastmond.

Onto the attack: Carlos Vela and Theo Walcott on the flanks and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas through the middle. While the benched players that came on to get us the win included Arshavin (who has been involved in 20 out of 22 league games this season), and Eduardo who played 75, 84 and 90 minutes in his most recent games. Rosicky was an unused substitute which was unsurprising given the number of games we have had out of him recently. I don't think anyone can rationally criticise the boss for resting these players.

Did Arsène want to win? Of course, the inclusion of Fabregas, and the introduction of those three proves it as far as I'm concerned. We crashed out of the FA Cup due to a lot of injuries and a tricky tie, no more, no less. Naturally, a club of our stature expects to beat Stoke, I don't deny that. In the context, a lot of youth out, playing in a hostile atmosphere... I wasn't too surprised to see us knocked out.

The fact is, not everyone can win silverware every season. Previously, we haven't been equipped to do so; the so-called "transitional seasons". We all know what happened in 07/08, and it was hard to build on that with the entire midfield seeming to go MIA in the physioroom or off to the continent. Now however, is our time. We may not win anything this season, there are just so many variables to consider, the best team don't always win the leagues, and 38 league games can feasibly end with the best team second or third in the league. Such is life.

We've had our fair share of titles under Wenger: the man knows how to win and will produce the desired silverware if we keep the faith. Who are our competitors? A United side that can't afford a net outlay on transfers, yet has numerous underperforming or aging squad members? Or the Chelsea side boasting several first-teamers the wrong side of thirty and an owner with a seemingly dwindling interest? Or what about the Liverpool team hamstrung by the poor player purchases of its manager, and the inadequacy of their stadium? Arsènal's time will come, very soon. And I guarantee those who questioned the manager's position will be singing there's only one Arsène Wenger" along with the true Arsènites when a league title comes to the Emirates.

Keep the faith!

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