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”
It’s like an attack against defence training session!!!
We look like we’ve already given up.
No chasing, nothing. Wow.
Bloody hell.
We gave up at the start!!! We froze, simple as.
Shocking defending for Metesacker to get the 3rd.
Awful performance today:-(
This could get really embarrassing…Glad Lerner is there to see it!!
Makes me wish that we didnt get to the Final…embarrassing to say the least!
Agree as we predicted sherwood well and truly found out for the useless twat he is. No tactics just lump it in and hope for best as bad as anything under lambert
Richardson was flagging the bench – coming off?
A great game for Richardson, credit to him.
well this is all a little embarassing isnt it lads
75 mins….not even a shot, never mind one on target. Not even a corner!
Didn’t we have a corner in the first 5 mins?
We are utterly clueless 🙁
Not a shot on goal and not looking likely to create a chance either.
its a big shame to be honest i expected a lot more, dont get me wrong it would have taken a miracle arsenal are absolute quality but we havent shown anything, weve let them play the game they enjoy and they have taken full advantage
as much as Grealish is a talent….He’s a lazy fucker!!
Be honest….why would Benteke want to stay with this bag of shit…..there is no way he will stay after this mauling!
Ok arsenal are a class act but today we’ve made em look class piss poor performance nowt proud to say about it utter SHITE
Deffo Pen or Free kick for Gabby there.
Very questionable from the ref – a bit one sided today if you ask me.
He’s certainly put himself in the shop window with his performance today ain’t he?
Probably saving himself making sure he dosnt get injured. A defensive liability who’s injury prone and constantly offside quicker we get £32 m for him the better
benteke has been invisible,literally useless
He’s been given nothing to work with.
Well the media this week made sure of that.
Was Grealish pulled down then?
Or am I clutching at straws?
Yes 2 penalties overlooked 3? then I’ll feel robbed.
One penalty the other was outside box. No point moaning about the ref it’s not his fault we only bothered playing with ten mins to go
Proud of the VILLA faithful having to witness this yet still singing away.
our fams down there are class as you say mate, still singing after this rubbish is admirable
Yep, should have been a pen.
What a piss poor finish to the season?!!! WE NEED ONE BIG CLEAROUT
Starting with dim deadwood and vlaar
Yes, because Vlaar on his own was shocking today!
God, get me a filter!!!
He wasn’t on his own
So why point him out today, then?
God, give me strength!
Sherwood better have a good explanation about his tactics and this non performance….fucking pathetic!
Just a continuation of the season the last 3 weeks the squad has been playing with no intent. Our cup final was to stay up.
And another for 4-0.
🙁
Disgraceful performance today.
I really don’t know what to say.