FA Cup Final - Pre-Match Thread

[silhillvilla]

Arsenal have 3 tough games to play before they face us.

I didn't include the Smethwick game as they will roll over for them.

[john e]

Biggest problem I see from today's result is that Southampton play the same way as Arsenal and they were scything through are defence at will

[tony scott]

Season card holder(yes I know) where can I catch on Clarke's Quay Singapore?

[KRS]

Biggest problem I see from today's result is that Southampton play the same way as Arsenal and they were scything through are defence at will

I think most teams would have had a field day against our inept back four today. I may see it differently but I don't see much similarity between how Southampton and Arsenal play...they were mainly playing it over the top to hit Pelle with supporting runners from midfield; where as Arsenal play a more intricate and incisive passing game moving and switching play at pace. It will be interesting to watch Arsenal play their 2 games tomorrow and midweek, but its safe to say that if we don't turn up and play anything like we did today then we'll be chasing shadows.

[ciggiesnbeer]

Biggest problem I see from today's result is that Southampton play the same way as Arsenal and they were scything through are defence at will

I admit to not watching Southampton very often but I thought the consensus from their fans was Koeman cleverly changed their style of play today to hit on the counter and surrendering possession rather than their usual?

[KRS]

The match stats suggest you're not wrong with Southampton only having 35% possession. We had the lions share of possession but looked clueless at the back and toothless going forward. How many times do we have to watch aimless crosses into the box only to be snuffed out by the first defender with Benteke on his own in the box? They can't expect Benteke to get on the end of every cross particularly when there are 4 defenders challenging for the ball as it was against Southampton today, so they vastly need to improve the quality of ball into the box or vary the attacking options.

[Steve R]

Biggest problem I see from today's result is that Southampton play the same way as Arsenal and they were scything through are defence at will

Given the way the day panned out maybe it was no bad thing that we found out today rather than May30 that our defending with a high line needs a bit of work.

We probably didn't need such a stark reality check but it hasn't necessarily done any harm to learn a few things.

[OzVilla]

Agreed, it turned out to be a bit of a dry run of how not to set up against the Arse. If seasons are learned it could be a bit of a blessing.

[JD]

Forget today, it's a one-off bad result, the good thing is we are now safe and can concentrate on the final. Arsenal have 3 games between now and the final, we now have one.   

[Matt Collins]

Really hope we can field a properly fit back four. That's gonna be crucial

[john2710]

The similarity of yesterday's performance with that of the 5-0 defeat against Arsenal was clear.

If we go toe to toe with Arsenal they'll destroy us.

[silhillvilla]

Quick question, if anyone is sent off next week re Burnley, would they be suspended for the final ? Ditto yellow cards and the totting up ban?

[olaftab]

Sorry john2710 but I was at Emirates and ok I have only seen the highlights of the match yesterday but they are nothing alike. Yesterday we just messed up simple situations, at Emirates we sat back and Arsenal ripped us apart. Arsenal will destroy us for either going toe to toe or sitting back however we have to disrupt them  and if we use all of our assets  to maximum and we stand a chance.

[olaftab]

Quick question, if anyone is sent off next week re Burnley, would they be suspended for the final ? Ditto yellow cards and the totting up ban?

Yes and yes.

[passitsideways]

Sorry john2710 but I was at Emirates and ok I have only seen the highlights of the match yesterday but they are nothing alike. Yesterday we just messed up simple situations, at Emirates we sat back and Arsenal ripped us apart. Arsenal will destroy us for either going toe to toe or sitting back however we have to disrupt them  and if we use all of our assets  to maximum and we stand a chance.

Just had a look at the highlights from the 5-0 again (a harrowing experience indeed): the first goal, we were caught high up the pitch and Ozil flicked it on to Giroud who had a one-on-one. The second, they broke quickly, Ozil runs into space where the RB should be and knocks it home. The third was another quick break, I think possibly from a corner, because the fullbacks ended up being the closest to Walcott at the time he shot it. The fourth, the penalty was conceded basically because of a ball over the top. The fifth was from a more settled position, but things were done and dusted anyway by then.

So maybe not necessarily blatant mistakes like Vlaar's backpass yesterday, but I think the goals scored by both teams are of the same broad nature: absolutely suicidal positioning, and midfield not able to be in a position to shield the back four. Surely Sherwood thinks about yesterday and then looks at the footage from the 5-0 and recognises that this is one game where he has to break somewhat from his general penchant to play openly.