Woohoo! Listened to the end of match on sirius in car. Maybe I should do that more? Sounds like we did get some luck, espec in ET with Citeh having tons of chances that they flubbed, hit woodwork, etc. But the whole Back3 thing maybe paid off? Whatever it was I'll take it! 3 finals in 4 years?
Wenger has outtacticed another manager lol. I thought in first half we didn't transition the ball enough from defence to attack. But in second half, we were in their faces, closed them down, and were worthy of the draw at full-time. Overall we were the better team, though I would concede they had more clear-cut chances. Aguero's goal was Cech's fault imho, he should have been more aggressive coming out. But i'm pleased for Wenger. He's taken some serious shit from our fans, opposition fans, the media, etc. But then today he instilled the mentality and had the tactical nous to defeat Pep. We defended well though. I'm not one for Gab, but he was a beast. And Holding...shit. He will be a TOP defender in years to come. Everybody had a good game, even Welbz who missed some sitters and made bad final balls. Chelsea are favourites in the final of course, but we can take them. We lacked the bollocks in the Stamford Bridge game, but then we battered them at home in the league in the same manner. No reason that on the day, we cannot deny them a Double. Lulz at Spurs...we win they lose, they can finish above us but we can win a trophy. It won't surprise me if Spurs bottle it from now. Chelsea won't, and it would be sweet if we get a win/draw at White Fart Lane to stop them winning the league.
well isn't the rumor he's already signed... clubs just waiting for the right time to announce it? ... that time would probably be now... that's my prediction at least..
Otoh, if you're City you say there were 2-3 penalties that weren't called and half a dozen chances that could have been scored.
You're right. For me though, it just papers over the cracks. We were, while being good, also very very lucky today. Refs were generous as were the crossbar and post. I know that's how the ball bounces and don't look a gift horse in the mouth, I'm just being realistic. Plus, as an American, the FA Cup just doesn't really rate with me so I don't get all super ecstatic about it...that's my deal, I know. I just think this is a more of an aberration than a positive trend. I know I know....negative Nancy and super cynic and all and I'm sure you guys will bag on me and I do apologize for my cynicism...I just can't help it. I just don't think Wenger can move this club forward anymore, another FA Cup final included.
Good game. We were on the backfoot all first half, but came out strong in the second half. City's goal was definitely against the run of play. I'm glad that it didn't cost us the win. To use a Wenger cliche, the team showed "fantastic spirit" to fight back and get the win. Final will be tough, but we've got our foot in the door and I believe this win also secures at least some form of European football for next season (IIRC FA Cup winner gets a Europa League spot, and Chelsea are already locked into the CL, so....).
Pretty lucky win - e.g. City's goal chalked off The team played much better in the 2nd half and especially looked much more dangerous with Welbeck who they could not contain Shame he missed like about 5 chances
Ox definitely works better as a wing back as it makes the most of his running/dribbling but he lacks the technical quality to play in midfield or as a forward You can see the big midfield issues with Ramsey in this game - he really lacks the defensive positioning and Xhaka can't hack it on his own. 3CBs helps plug some gaps
REAL OLD-FASHIONED GUTS by The Gunners this morning!!! THE best leftback in the league (Nacho) gets a goal to equalize it, and then Sexy Alexy finishes it in extra time!!! COYF'n'G!!! The Sleeping Giant known as Arsenal IS NOW AWAKENED!!! BEWARE!!!
xG map for Arsenal - Manchester City. A weird match, Arsenal did more with their period of control than City. pic.twitter.com/PCyg4yqR4K— Caley Graphics (@Caley_graphics) April 23, 2017 Best performance in three months.
Just watched the highlights that I missed from 60' onward. Two thoughts: 1) Yes Cech could've stormed Aquero to take the ball off his feet, but Aguero was moving pretty fast so Cech would've likely taken the player as well, granting a PK and possibly a red card... which would've actually been a much worse outcome. I too was surprised he held back a bit, but in that split-second he took the more conservative approach, and you know that might've just helped us in the 60' we had to play afterwards. 2) Sanchez's game winner just shows how he's a really really good striker, better than Giroud and way better than Welbeck, as much as like those 2 guys quite a bit. Sanchez was so instantly opportunistic on getting to that ball first. But his first touch with the bottom of his foot was brilliantly instinctive and it made the goal possible.
Wellbeck is a perfect example of where we are and why we are where we are. Just not good enough but on the day we did what was needed. Wenger Fi Life since we are in the FA Cup final. Can't wait for them to announce his lifetime deal after winning the 18th FA Cup or whatever the number is.
That's my point. When Quick and precise reactions were needed, Welbeck flubbed it and Sanchez nailed it.