Is it finally happening?! Is the 'Trophy Drought' finally ending?! I seriously hope so. I know none of us like to be reminded, but Arsenal haven't won a single, major trophy since the FA cup victory of 2005. Six years... it's been six years since the team won a cup. It's not like we've been playing badly in this period: we've consistently placed in the top four, and challenged pretty well in other competitions... but we still lacked a trophy for all the efforts.
Unlike the FA cup, the League Cup (or the Carling Cup) is only open to teams from the top four English football divisions. The competition started in the 1960-61 season and in its early period, entry wasn't compulsory. Interest in the cup grew when the prizes started including a place in the UEFA cup for the following season. Nevertheless, even today, it's still not given as much importance by the big teams.
However, a win in this competition will keep off the critics who've been hammering on about the lack of trophies, and can act as inspiration for greater performances during the rest of the season. Arsenal have a chance for a unique achievement this season: the Quadruple. I know it's a loooooooong shot, but we're the only team left competing in all four fronts now. We're second in the league with comparatively easy fixtures, still in the FA cup, and after an amazing comeback win against Barcelona it's all left to fight for in the Champions League. This win could prove to be a catalyst for a very special achievement.
The road to this cup final has been surprisingly comfortable for Arsenal- and this comfort was not because the opposition were pushovers, but because of the way the boss selected his teams. I mean, you would hardly call Tottenham or Newcastle (to name a few), pushovers. The opening match of the cup was a North London derby in which we were all over the opposition and came out 4-1 winners. Another romp came next with a 4-0 win away at Newcastle. This set up a home tie with Wigan, and another clean sheet with a 2-0 win. The two legged semi-final against Ipswich was a more tense affair with a 1-0 away loss before hitting back 3-0 at the Emirates.
Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott are out of this fixture. It's a pity about Fabregas. All of us know that he wanted this a lot, to captain his side to a cup win, but let's hope he gets another chance this season itself. The prospect of playing without these two players will be tough on the fans, but the performances of some other players are reason to believe that the drought could very well end this Sunday.
WOJCIECH SZCZESNY has been a big stress relief for Arsenal this season. For a long time the boss had a problem at the post, but all those worries are now a thing of the past. Szczesny has been a tall figure between the sticks and has proven to be a great performer under pressure.The Peter Schmiechel fan says that he is prepared to do whatever necessary to be no.1 at Arsenal for the next decade, and a performance at Wembley would make his place in the team permanent.
JOHAN DJOUROU has slowly emerged to become a steady influence in the back four and has marshalled the defense superbly this season. After coming back from am injury, the Swiss international has been a prominent figure in the squad and his partnership with Koscielny in the Arsenal defense has conceded the least number of goals. On Sunday, the 24 year old will make his fifth league cup appearance this season, and in those games the team has conceded only 2 goals.The centre-back will play a crucial role in Arsene Wenger's team this Sunday.
JACK WILSHIRE has been a revelation this season. He's been on a high since his England debut: last week he took Xavi and Iniesta on in their own game, and this week he stood up strong and tall against Stoke.His all-round game has been brilliant and his passing, precise. He can attack, defend, pass and tackle, but the fans love him like they do for his commitment to the club and its cause. He grew up with Arsenal and the fans will be applauding for him come Sunday.
ROBIN VAN PERSIE has been in great form of late and will be captaining the side this Sunday. With 13 goals in 11 games since the turn of the year he oozes the kind of confidence that will urge him to try for a goal from any odd angle (see Barcelona match for proof). He's also a player who will backtrack and help out in the midfield when needed. He could trouble the defense with jinking runs and great positioning.We can all expect a goal or two from the Dutchman on his day.Everyone else play vital roles as well. In fact the whole team will have to show up if they're to win this game. Song will have to be more cautious and less enthusiastic about going forward- my advice would be to stick to being a cover for the back four- and we can expect Sagna and Clichy to make marauding runs forward in support, so Song should be on the watch and remain behind from time to time.
Possible starting line up:
Szczesny
Sagna Koscielny Djourou Clichy
Song Wilshire
Bendtner Nasri Arshavin
Van Persie
Arsenal are the favourites heading into this game, but all that is shed once we enter the field. All we can do is hope for a great performance, and with a bit of luck, finally the DROUGHT WILL BE OVER!!!!!!
©goonerburgh
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