FA Cup = Best Chance for Silverware?

By: travis | January 5th, 2009

Apologies for the long absence but I’ve been in transition mode over the past weekend and needed time to get ready to settle into a new area.

Last weekend’s result was pleasing enough, and it made me ponder the chance of success in the FA Cup. Realistically speaking, this competition is the best chance that this team has of adding silverware this season. And while Wenger talks about how they won’t prioritize, it is hard to see a comeback in the Premier League or somehow navigating our way through Europe.

Not much to say about Plymouth. The result was expected, even after a 0-0 draw at the half. I was afraid of the possibility of an upset, but once Van Persie got things going, it was only just a matter of time. A shame that Nicklas Bendtner didn’t get credit for that second goal – he could use a confidence boost as he hasn’t enjoyed a strong run of form recently.

What Van Persie showed on Saturday was how crucial he is to this side. With the injuries piling up – Silvestre limped off the pitch with an injury – the Dutchman must stay healthy for this team to have a fighting chance. For any sort of success to be achieved, it’s got to be more than just staying healthy. Strong finishing like we’ve seen in the games against Chelsea and Liverpool are a must. Van Persie has the skill and ability that need to be there each match. I would love to rely on Adebayor, but he seems most adept at wasting chances rather than converting them.

Over the holiday break wonder-kid Jack Wilshere turned 17 and quickly signed a professional deal with Arsenal. His rise to prominence has been ultra-fast and here’s to hoping he doesn’t get caught up in his own hype. I feel like it was not even a year ago when word of him spread around the Internet after a number of strong performances in the reserve side. It’s exciting to see the number of young talent – especially English – at the club’s disposal. Of course, it makes you wonder if the club will be able to keep these players around if the first team struggles to find success. As 2009 rolls around, it is nearing the five year mark since this team last won a trophy. That sounds like a long time, doesn’t it?

The latest transfer news has Arshavin being lined up for £20m. All the press outlets are pointing to Wenger’s statement about quality over being cup-tied as the reason why Arshavin is going to be brought in. I’ll bet that they are wrong.