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As 11-time FA Cup champions, Arsenal are highly favoured to take home the trophy again Saturday, but it won’t be easy. Aston Villa could very well steal the crown from the defending champs if they are able to take the Gunners by surprise as Hull City did last season, when the Tigers managed an early two-goal lead. Arsene Wenger’s side have relied on competition in midfield to produce goals and are intent on defending their title, but Aston Villa have just as much to prove in aiming to win their first FA Cup since 1957.
Although likely brimming with confidence after a brilliant win over West Brom last outing, the Gunners must not get too cocky approaching the match, and realise that sticking to the same old formula will not be enough to pull off a win this weekend. Here are the five key approaches Arsenal must bear in mind to ensure victory:
- Play Theo Walcott
The striker has been underutilised the entire season, but his hat trick last time out makes a compelling case for him to retain his spot over Olivier Giroud this Saturday. Even as a substitute, Walcott has a 22 per cent shot conversation rate and five goals in 14 games. With Danny Welbeck out, there’s no reason why Walcott shouldn’t start for the FA Cup.
- Be ready for counter attacks
Arsenal’s weakness this season was definitely their vulnerability to the counter attack. The Gunners fullbacks often push up too far, leaving the flanks open and exposed. The back-four need to be mindful of this space if Arsenal are to have a chance.
- Play with width
Lately, Arsene Wenger has moved conventional centre midfielders Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey out to the wings. Wilshere and Ramsey, however, naturally drift back towards the middle of the field, crowding the park and allowing opponents to concentrate their defensive efforts. Playing an actual right-winger in the position will help the Gunners use the entire field effectively.
- Have a backup plan
The Gunners have been stunted all season by teams that set up deep defensively. Both Swansea and Sunderland prioritised rigid backfields in games that frustrated Arsenal time and time again, and Aston Villa are likely to take a similar approach. Arsenal must come prepared to respond to this structure if they are to penetrate offensively.
- Limit Benteke
Aston Villa’s biggest threat to Arsenal hails from Belgium, and is one of the most-discussed players of the transfer rumour mill at the moment. Christian Benteke contributed 15 goals for the Lions this year, and is capable of finishing from long range as well as with headed attempts. The striker no doubt has extra motivation to produce this weekend to raise his value for transfer season.
