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In previous years an FA Cup tie was always assured a decent attendance. Now it seems most FA Cup ties receive lower attendance than League games. Fans are clearly voting with their feet and choosing a league match rather than a cup tie.
Falling attendances have been affecting the Worthington cup for a number of years. The status of the Worthington cup is so low that most of the top teams consider it meaningless, viewing it only as a decent opportunity to give reserves and fringe players some experience. How long will it be before the FA Cup is viewed in the same way ?.
Falling attendances have been affecting the Worthington cup for a number of years. The status of the Worthington cup is so low that most of the top teams consider it meaningless, viewing it only as a decent opportunity to give reserves and fringe players some experience. How long will it be before the FA Cup is viewed in the same way ?.
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After the weekend I'd say that the old FA Cup magic is still there!
17 goals in 4 matches, a team from the 2nd Division winning at a Premiership team,
Tranmere pushing Liverpool close in the 2nd half.
And a North London derby for the semi! Top stuff!
17 goals in 4 matches, a team from the 2nd Division winning at a Premiership team,
Tranmere pushing Liverpool close in the 2nd half.
And a North London derby for the semi! Top stuff!
Ranieri singled out Vierra for criticism in the press yesterday. Yet from what I saw Vierra did not react in anyway - apart from constantly laughing at Dennis Wise when the little squirt kept trying to wind him up.
I take your point about Ashley Cole raising his hands, but I still think Chelsea were the main instigators of the trouble. As you say - it was one of the best cup ties seen for ages and it is that kind of game that will see crowds flock back to watch FA Cup ties. The FA should take note of that.
Arsenal are really starting to click again. The championship is lost but we are still chasing two trophies plus a champions league place. There is every reason to think this will turn out to be a good season for Arsenal. What a dream it would be to see Tony Adams lead the boys out in the San Siro in May. Bring on Lyon !!!.
I take your point about Ashley Cole raising his hands, but I still think Chelsea were the main instigators of the trouble. As you say - it was one of the best cup ties seen for ages and it is that kind of game that will see crowds flock back to watch FA Cup ties. The FA should take note of that.
Arsenal are really starting to click again. The championship is lost but we are still chasing two trophies plus a champions league place. There is every reason to think this will turn out to be a good season for Arsenal. What a dream it would be to see Tony Adams lead the boys out in the San Siro in May. Bring on Lyon !!!.
Rubbish. I was at the Arsenal-Chelsea game so I didn't have the benefit of TV cameras angles and replays, having only seen a brief spot on the news since, so I can only tell you what I saw at the time, but the 'brawl' cannot be blamed solely on Chelsea players. Yes Babayaro should get a suspension and Wise was a wind-up merchant, but he always has been. Players know what to expect from Wise and should react like Viera and ignore the little git. Henry and Cole acted rashly and raised their hands after verbal comments from Wise and were both lucky to stay on the pitch (especialy Cole who seemed to totally lose his cool for a moment or two). Both clubs will probably deserve a fine and a Chelsea player should get a three match ban. 'Nuff said. Apart from that that was one of the best matches I've seen at Highbury for ages with an electric atmospehere from the opening whistle. Long live the FA Cup!
I have heard that Arsenal are yet again going to be punished for the aggro in the game against Chelsea yesterday.
Anyone who saw that game has to be of the opinion that Chelsea were the instigators of the trouble. Babayaro stamped on Lungberg and cynically trip Bergkamp off the ball (inside the penalty area). Dennis Wise was constantly trying to wind up Patrick Vierra throughout the entire game.
As usual Arsenal will probably get punished by the FA while the other team get away scot-free.
What really annoys me is that this game was a really good match (four good goals, high tempo, bookings and a brawl). It was a typical full blooded cup tie - which is exactly what the FA Cup needs (and was once all about).
Anyone who saw that game has to be of the opinion that Chelsea were the instigators of the trouble. Babayaro stamped on Lungberg and cynically trip Bergkamp off the ball (inside the penalty area). Dennis Wise was constantly trying to wind up Patrick Vierra throughout the entire game.
As usual Arsenal will probably get punished by the FA while the other team get away scot-free.
What really annoys me is that this game was a really good match (four good goals, high tempo, bookings and a brawl). It was a typical full blooded cup tie - which is exactly what the FA Cup needs (and was once all about).
I bet that match is one of the semi-finals!
It always happens!
A couple of years back Man Utd beat Arsenal in the semis and that would have been a great final.
The final will probably be something like Arsenal Leicester, and Arsenal will walk it, after struggling to beat Liverpool in the semis.
Of course, if I'm wrong, you're quite entitled to bring this topic back to life and laugh at me in May.
It always happens!
A couple of years back Man Utd beat Arsenal in the semis and that would have been a great final.
The final will probably be something like Arsenal Leicester, and Arsenal will walk it, after struggling to beat Liverpool in the semis.
Of course, if I'm wrong, you're quite entitled to bring this topic back to life and laugh at me in May.
What are the odds on it being a Liverpool - Arsenal Cup Final??
Hmmm. I do think Manure (Manutd) were in a bit of a no-win situation last year. Many of their players and Alex Ferguson have publically stated they were very dissapointed not to play in last years FA Cup. Alex was also clearly gutted when they lost to West Ham the other week.
I think there are many reasons why both the league and the FA cup is in decline. Major clubs have to set their priorities and winning the championship or qualifying / winning the champions league are THE priorities. The cup competitions are now just a side show.
Another reason is that it used to be the case the you had to get to a major domestic final to play at Wembley. In recent years you have had allsorts of finals and semi-finals played at Wembley - not to mention semi-finals and play-offs. It used to be the case that players were very lucky to play at Wembley, recently it has been the opposite.
I think there are many reasons why both the league and the FA cup is in decline. Major clubs have to set their priorities and winning the championship or qualifying / winning the champions league are THE priorities. The cup competitions are now just a side show.
Another reason is that it used to be the case the you had to get to a major domestic final to play at Wembley. In recent years you have had allsorts of finals and semi-finals played at Wembley - not to mention semi-finals and play-offs. It used to be the case that players were very lucky to play at Wembley, recently it has been the opposite.
Ali@specialreserve wrote:
> Personally I blame Man United.
What for being forced to drop out by the FA to strengthen thier bid for the 2006 World Cup?
I don't think that the cup has lost it's shine.
When Man Utd were knocked out their fans were gutted, and so were the players.
I think there best played in that game, except for 1 or 2, so it wasn't as if they weren't trying to win it.
> Personally I blame Man United.
What for being forced to drop out by the FA to strengthen thier bid for the 2006 World Cup?
I don't think that the cup has lost it's shine.
When Man Utd were knocked out their fans were gutted, and so were the players.
I think there best played in that game, except for 1 or 2, so it wasn't as if they weren't trying to win it.
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