Five things we learnt from Arsenal’s FA Cup clash with Reading
Back to Wembley we go! A hard fought win for the lads today against a plucky Reading side sees Arsenal reach the final of England’s oldest competition for a record 19th time. A brace from Alexis Sanchez just about saw Arsenal over the line, and today’s win taught us a few things about our side yet again. We learned that Arsenal have well and truly turned over a new leaf in regards to the big occasions, and that the side is more than up for a dogfight.
Reading gave absolutely everything today, and our lads had to dig deep to hold off their advances. Arsenal are well on their way to retaining their title. Have a look at the five things today’s match taught us.
Driving Arsenal to success?
Szczesny wasn’t shocking by any means, but today showed that he is rightfully the second choice. I was a bit disappointed on the goal, and as harsh as this may sound, I feel Ospina probably would have done a better job. Fair play to Szczesny later on, commanding his area and coping with a dipping long range drive, but he has a long way to go before he wins his spot back.
Mathieu Debuchy made his return to the side today after missing an awful lot of football through injury. He didn’t look to have missed a step at all, impressive given the fact that he had to cope with not one but two surgeries. He looks just as quick and strong and aggressive as he did at the start of the season. Fair play to Mathieu.
Danny Welbeck was a non factor today to be frank. Wenger opted for Danny ahead of Giroud perhaps to rest the Frenchman or just for rotation sake, but today showed us that we miss a lot without the big Frenchman up top. Welbeck’s pace is effective in behind, but on occasions like today when the opposition holds a tight line and there is no room in behind, he cannot play with his back to goal and hold up the ball as effectively as Giroud. The team instantly looked more fluid when the substitution was made, so it is fair to say that Giroud has to play.
Good to see Gibbs is ready when called upon and showed no signs of rust despite not seeing much football lately. I thought he did well today and could easily be the starter. Good on Gibbs to step in when called upon.
And very well might I add. There was so much talk about how having the two in the same side messes with the balance and that their playing styles contradict one another. Bullocks. Why wouldn’t we play our two best players at the same time? It took some time for the two to gel, but it was well worth the wait. The two linked up for both goals today and I expect much more going forward.