Gunners escape from Ninian Park with a replay

Watching the Gunners performance against Cardiff in the FA Cup I was left a little frustrated, annoyed and perplexed. And when the final whistle went I blew a sigh of relief even though the momentum of the game had shifted immensely towards the boys from North London.

 

Decision number one I found surprising was that to play former Cardiff lad Ramsey from the start. The boy is only 18 and although am happy for his progress through the season, I couldn’t help but think Wenger massively underestimated the effect the Cardiff crowd would have on Ramsey. Clearly the occasion seem to have got to him with several passes going astray and even getting out muscled by the Bluebird players. This set the tone for the opening period in which truth be told Cardiff City should have been out of sight.

 

Decision number two that was surprising was that Eboue played. This boy when on song cannot be faulted for commitment but his enthusiasm or lack of enthusiasm at times leads him to make things difficult for himself. He too, like Ramsey passed a man in charitable mood and also received a yellow card for his frankly, pathetic attempt to win a penalty kick.

 

 

The introduction of Diaby had me nervous as well but I think it was the first time the boy had a positive impact as a substitute. Tactically, as well, Wenger should have played a 4-5-1 . Ninian Park is a compact ground and the Gunners should have won the midfield battle before outrunning the Bluebirds. Using this formation also Bendtner could have played on the right wing like he did against Hull and Diaby could have replaced either Eboue or Ramsey more so and given us the direct pace and width.

 

Nevertheless, a draw wasn’t the worst result in the world and with perhaps a stronger team Cardiff could be in for a hiding at the Emirates and with a relatively easier draw with either the Baggies or Burnley in the next round, FA Cup success looks on the cards.

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