How to deflect from reality: refereeing figures for the league cup are bonkers
Just as we thought the injury crisis was over...
Arsenal’s relationship with the FA Cup gives them credibility few clubs can match. They’ve lifted the trophy 14 times—more than any other English club. Whenever Arsenal put a run together in this tournament, the question comes up: could they win it again?
After several convincing performances this season, that question feels fair, and the football odds may begin to shift in their favour.
This isn’t about nostalgia or relying on past success. It’s about whether this current Arsenal side looks capable of handling what the FA Cup demands: patience and the ability to win when games don’t open up.
A convincing opening performance
Arsenal’s first outing came in round three, where Premier League sides join the draw. Their opening tie against Portsmouth didn’t disappoint.
A 4-1 win was both convincing and controlled, with Gabriel Martinelli stealing the headlines by scoring a hat-trick. From the opening stages, Arsenal looked sharp and purposeful, moving the ball quickly and creating chances without exposing themselves at the back.
The performance set an early tone. There was no sense of Arsenal easing their way into the competition. They played with intensity, managed the game well, and showed the kind of focus you’d expect from teams that go deep.
League form backing it up
Arsenal’s league position adds weight to the argument. They’re six points clear at the top of the table, and that lead’s been built on consistency rather than short bursts of form.
They’ve won 15 league games so far, scoring 40 goals—the second-highest total in the division—while conceding just 14, the lowest of any team. That balance shows Arsenal aren’t relying solely on defence, nor are they winning games by outscoring opponents. They’re doing both.
Going forward, they’ve shown patience and variety, breaking teams down and punishing sides that leave space. Defensively, they’ve been disciplined and difficult to unsettle, rarely giving opponents clear opportunities.
That combination is what tends to carry teams deep in cup competitions. Strong attacks can win games, but reliable defences usually decide trophies. Arsenal look well-equipped on both fronts.
Key players stepping up
Cup runs often hinge on individual contributions. Martinelli’s hat-trick against Portsmouth was a reminder of how dangerous he can be. Bukayo Saka remains Arsenal’s most dependable attacking threat, finding ways to influence play even in tight games. Declan Rice has been central to their solidity, breaking up play and bringing calm to midfield when it matters.
The risk the FA Cup carries
Part of what makes the FA Cup special is how unforgiving it is. Reputation counts for nothing once the game kicks off. Crystal Palace’s exit to Macclesfield Town is a reminder of how quickly things can unravel.
That same risk applies to Arsenal. The margins are thin, and this season’s draw offers no guarantees. All the teams Arsenal have either drawn with or been beaten by in the league remain in the FA Cup. There’s a real chance they could face opponents who already know how to trouble them.
Any one of those sides could knock them out.
That’s the reality of this competition. One mistake, one poor half, or one moment of complacency can end the run. League position offers no protection once the tie begins.
But if Arsenal approach those matches the way they have so far—with patience and discipline—they’re more than capable. They’re defending well, creating chances consistently, and managing games with far more maturity than in previous seasons.
The risk will always be there. That’s what makes the FA Cup what it is. But if Arsenal keep playing as they have been, they’ve got every reason to believe they can go the distance.
Recent Posts
How to deflect from reality: refereeing figures for the league cup are bonkers
Just as we thought the injury crisis was over...