Here we are then, the eve of our biggest game since our last Cup final.
What’s to say that hasn’t been said on loads of other websites in the last week?
To be honest, not a lot, as it’s all been said. Many times over.
Cut through the analysis, opinion and some might say the undermining of our position by the London-based press though and the basic fact is we are about to partake in the ultimate game in the biggest domestic cup in the world.
And let’s not forget that.
The FA cup might have been scandalously debased by certain clubs over the last few years and the Copa del Rey (probably the nearest competitor) has had a lot of promotion over a similar period.
But the FA cup is the big one, by miles, if the world audience is anything to go by.
While the pull of the cup may have been reduced slightly by the top clubs placing more emphasis on the Champions League recently, I actually think it bounced back somewhat this year.
Who can forget Bradford turning over the mighty Chelsea on their own turf, after going two goals down, for example?
And this is the beauty of the FA cup, in my opinion.
While the money is in the Champions League, there is no chance that a one-off lesser club can ever win it. Which means there’s no romance in it at all.
Those of us old enough will remember Sunderland beating Leeds, Southampton beating Man United, Wimbledon beating Liverpool and of course, more recently, Wigan beating Manchester City in previous finals, I’m sure.
They’re unforgettable results that prove that the underdog can win.
Which leads us to where we are now.
We face an extremely good Arsenal side, who on their day can beat anyone. In spades.
There’s no getting away from it; they play great football and are massive favourites.
Indeed, they’re bound to win it, by all accounts.
But this is the FA cup, where form can totally go out of the window.
Hence I’m not even going to comment about previous form or even who’s available to play.
I believe that the game is in the lap of the gods.
I’ve been suffering mood swings this week whenever I think about the game, for what it’s worth.
My dark moments see us getting thrashed, which is my worst nightmare.
But my better moments see us winning by the odd goal.
That’s the truth of it.
But the difference between tomorrow’s game and the Champions League?
I truly believe we can win this.
Why? because we’re the Villa.
We’ve won this cup seven times and are well overdue an eighth win.
Ok, it’ll mess the old song of “seven times we’ve won it now” right up, but it’s already out of date and we need to add to our collection.
Surely us fans deserve it after what we’ve had to suffer over the last four years or so?
While of course we have no divine right to win, Arsenal have had their share of glory over the last couple of decades.
It’s our turn, I say.
And under Sherwood, we have a fighting chance.
Whatever happens, I can guarantee you, it’s going to be emotional on my part.
As Tony Butler used to say;
Get yer prayer mats out.
COYL! and UTV
Comments
219 responses to “Fa Cup final. Villa VS Arsenal; Get yer prayer mats out”
Agree Marvin, half time can’t come soon enough. We need to re-group. Don’t think we’ll be this poor 2nd half, just need half time.
My 5.59 aimed at Oohah, not B6
We are like rabbits caught in headlights
If we win this game it is because of Richardson. He has made more saves than Given so far.
N’zog off, Gabby on, imo.
Agree il be amazed if we end game with 11 men
Needs to bring Sanchez on in front of bk four
That’s actually a decent call.
Bacuna is an option too.
1-0 Arse. Walcott.
Shit.
NZOG fucking hope he’s shown the door this summer bring on gabby.
Sherwoods fault for picking him. Joke of a performance created nothing not one corner not one chance absolutely pathetic. The only positive is its only 1 nil. IV turned over to watch French open can’t watch this shit any longer. Humiliated in front of the world
3 yellow card – common now.
We need Gabby’s pace today
yea… so there is that.
It was only time we could only absorb so much COYL
Been coming they deserve it. Not bothered about result but performance is woeful
Richarson has been great up to now
Richrdson motm first half by a country mile
Bauna and Gabby for Hutton and Zoggy! Richardson has kept us in with a chance, he has been outstanding IMO
Surprisingly the back line showed up and the entire midfield is letting us down today. No communication and players are to often running into dead ends when they could easily pass to outlets around them. Richardson is by far our best player so far.
Agreed – even after half a bottle of Jameson’s it’s been painful so far!
Richardson has been superb.
N’Zog so far a waste of a shirt.
We need better outlets.
N’zog off for Gabby, deffo.
I’m tempted to say Grealish off too, but not his fault.
You know what Badger it’s the fact we are not even giving it a go that pisses me off. Just like v Chelsea in 2000. So negative. Nothing up front benteke either offside or crowded out. No patience. Def is appalling. Cleverly reverting to type
Did we even have a shot on goal?
Not that I recall.
Sherwood has to show his mettle now, as we were the poorer side in that half.
I don’t envy him.
We havent turned up…thats what disappoints me more than anything!
No changes.
Sinclair and Gabby warming up, apparently.
60 min – i bet we see a double change
pure quality……game over.
…or sooner.
Fucking hell..
OMG, great goal in fairness.
2-0 🙁
FFS… at least play with pride and effort…this is disgraceful!
Gabby on for N’zog
We’ll have a chance to at least hit them on the break now.