Why Arsenal going out of the FA Cup would not be the end of the world for Mikel Arteta
The article discusses the implications of Arsenal potentially exiting the FA Cup and argues that it may not be detrimental for Mikel Arteta's team amid a crowded schedule.
The article from the Mirror examines the current situation for Arsenal FC under manager Mikel Arteta, particularly in relation to their participation in the FA Cup. As Arsenal competes at high levels across all competitions, the pressure of maintaining a busy schedule looms large. The author poses a provocative question to supporters about what the best outcome would be against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup; a win or a loss. Given Arsenal's history of having won only four FA Cups in the last twenty years, the notion of pursuing a quadruple win seems ambitious and perhaps unrealistic.
The piece reflects on the implications of a possible loss to Wigan, suggesting that it might not be a disaster for Arsenal's season. The team's previous trophy successes in the FA Cup do not instill confidence that they could conquer four major competitions in a single season. This context leads to a candid acknowledgment that, with the current overloaded schedule, something would need to give, as balancing multiple competitions can strain the team.
In conclusion, while no one at Arsenal would intentionally throw away a match in the FA Cup, the article argues that an exit may allow Arteta to manage player fitness and focus better on securing success in the league and other tournaments. Ultimately, this perspective encourages a more pragmatic approach to what should be an exciting yet challenging season for the club.