Give youth a chance in the FA Cup

It is quite clear from his team selection that Arsene considers the FA Cup the lowest of his priorities this season. Whereas in previous years, he has taken much pride in this competition, he has forsaken this Cup for the sake of a lesser competition but one which we have a better chance of winning at this stage. Even with the defeat at Portman Road last week, you would reckon that the Gunner have what it takes to turn the tie around next week at the Emirates.


Although I understand the rationale, I don't think I agree with his stance. I believe we are capable of competing for all four competitions  and putting up a good fight at it. Of course, we would need to rotate some of the players but Arsene needs to motivate the back-up players for them to show that they have what it takes to carry the team in the absence the star players. It is not as if the back-up players are full of young, starry eyed teenagers. Most of the players on the bench are full international who just have not been performing to their capabilities. I am very dissapointed with Rosicky, Arshavin, Bendtner and Vela. These players especially Bendtner have been moaning about lack of playing time but when they are given the opportunity, they fluff it. I say, let's give the reserves a chance if these senior back-up players do not have the stomach for the fight.

We have an abundance of players just waiting in the wings. Normally we would blood these players in the Carling Cup but this year we have a real chance of winning so Arsene has taken less risk in that. So the FA Cup remains the only competition this season where we can show off the youth pipeline. If it were me, I would play Lansbury instead of Rosicky, Jay Emmanual Thomas instead of Bendtner and Craig Eastmond instead of Denilson.

Another thing that Arsene needs to beware of is making too many chances to the team. It was clear that having 7 or changes to the regular team affect the performance so let's keep the core of the team and rotate only the necessary. We have an equal chance with anybody in the FA Cup and I would not sacrifice it at this stage for any competition.