http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/4427433.stm
Arsenal defeated a defensive minded Blackburn this morning to advance to the FA cup final to meet the winner of Man U - Newcastle. Blackburn lined up 5 midfielders in an attempt to slow down and break the pace of Arsenal, one would see this working considering Arsenal were without their magician, Henry and their defensive bed rock - Campbell. However with Pires playing the way Pires can play, Arsenal were able to slot 3 goals and defeat Blackburn. Granted two of the goals came in the end of the game, but Arsenal's second half passing and movement appeared to be the Gunners of old, the one that has sewed fear in the hearts of the Premiership teams.
However the team they face in the finals will be much more difficult to defeat, especially if we see as everyone would like a Manchester United - Arsenal final, a match that would pit two teams with no silverware in a winner take all battle for the last piece of available silverware. If we are lucky enough to have such a match up, it will be well worth the price of admission.
One thing that intregues me, is Arsenal's success at the single elimination tournament such as the FA cup but their lack of success in similar format in Europe. Maybe it is because Arsenal's knowledge of style in England? Or is it because they play lower ranked opponents during the process? The fact that Arsenal made their 5 "final four" in 5 years, and will be playing in their 4th final in 5 years begs the question - if Arsenal can find success in this tournament why do they fail so miserably in the Champion's League or UEFA cup?
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