Watford dumped Arsenal out of the FA Cup as the pressure mounted on Arsene Wenger.
Odion Ighalo and Adlene Guedioura scored second half goals to end Arsenal’s remarkable grip on the FA Cup.
It
was Arsenal’s first defeat in the FA Cup in 17 games, a run which dates
back to February 2013 when they were dumped out by Blackburn.
This felt even more painful for Wenger as another trophy slipped away on an afternoon of frustration at the Emirates.
Guedioura’s wonder goal will go down as one of the best of the season as Watford booked a place at Wembley in the semi-finals.
Reuters / Hannah McKay
Opener: Odion Ighalo scores for Watford
1. Arsenal crumbling under the pressure - is it time for Wenger to go?
This is the first time Arsenal have lost three consecutive home games since 2002.
First,
Barcelona, then Swansea and now Watford. They crashed out of the FA
Cup, by the end of the week Arsenal could be out of the Champions League
and out of sight in the title race.
These are damaging times for
Arsene Wenger, the fans are getting restless and you wonder if they can
stand another season like this.
Yes, there have been bad times
in the past. But the difference is this time that Arsenal have the
finance to compete, they’ll never have a better chance to win the title
and that’s why the fans are so frustrated and fed-up this time.
Arsene
Wenger has another year left on his contract. Some Arsenal fans think
Wenger’s time is already up. It’s hard - if not impossible - to succeed
in that mood.
Richard Heathcote/Getty
Double trouble: Adlene Guedioura celebrates with team-mates after scoring
2. Quique Sanchez Flores should be in the running for manager of the year
It’s
going to be hard to persuade anyone not to vote Claudio Ranieri if
Leicester win the title. In fact, Ranieri should get it even if they
don’t.
But Watford boss Flores should be in the nominations, make no mistake about that.
What a job he’s done. Watford were among the favourites to go down, but Sanchez has done a remarkable job.
He’s made them safe in the Premier League and got them to Wembley in the FA Cup semi final. Remarkable.
Action Images via Reuters / Tony O'Brien
Offside: Olivier Giroud reacts after having a goal disallowed
3. Fan boycott didn’t make an impact
Some of the Arsenal fans staged a protest by staying away as this cup tie was not included in their season ticket.
The
problem is that at Arsenal you do get so many fans who do not use their
tickets even when there’s no protest. There were gaps - particularly at
the posh, expensive club level - but not particularly more noticeable
than usual.
Fans have rightly spoken up, won major victories and helped persuade clubs change their pricing policy.
But why on earth would you boycott a cup quarter final?
Reuters / Hannah McKay
Lucky: Gabriel with a dangerous, two-footed challenge on Troy Deeney
4. Ben Watson has reinvented himself this season
Ben Watson scored the winner in the 2013 FA Cup final and has had a fine career.
But I don’t think it would be unfair to call him, up to now, being a good journeyman pro.
However,
this season, Watson has been fantastic for Watford. His deliveries from
dead balls, free kicks and corners, have been a feature of Watford’s
season.
Watson, rather like Watford, is having the season of his life.
Shaun Botterill/Getty
Low point: Giroud and Mesut Ozil look dejected
5. Gabriel so lucky
Arsenal defender Gabriel should have been sent off for a two footed lunge on Watford striker Troy Deeney.
Referee
Andre Marriner was just yards away and waved play on. My first glimpse
from the press box was that it was a proper full blooded challenge. The
TV replays showed otherwise. Just think how useful they’d be…
Action Images via Reuters / Tony O'Brien
High and wide: Mohamed Elneny reacts after missing a chance
Player ratings
Arsenal
Ospina 6
Did not have a chance with either Watford goal.
Chambers 7
The outlet for Arsenal at right back, made dangerous runs.
Mertesacker 5
Arsenal’s defence looked vulnerable, as did Mertesacker.
Gabriel 5
Very lucky not to be sent off for two footed lunge on Deeney.
Gibbs 6
Has done well since coming in, had one chance.
Coquelin 5
Fierce in the tackle, but didn’t offer much offensively.
Elneny 6
Neat and tidy on the ball, but missed two big chances.
Campbell 6
Tries hard but clumsy and concedes possesison.
Ozil 6
Booked. Gives up far too easily. Back heel for Welbeck’s goal.
Sanchez 5
Miles away from the form of last season. Very disappointing.
Giroud 5
Two goals in midweek hasn’t helped him regain his mojo.
Substitutes
Walcott, for Giroud, 68 mins, 6
Welbeck, for Campbell, 68 mins, 7
Iwobi, for Elneny, 68 mins, 6
Sport Image
Anger: Arsenal’s fans argue amongst themselves after Watford’s second goal
Watford
Pantilimon 7
Booked. Yellow carded for time wasting, seemed harsh.
Nyom 7
Had a good battle with former Udinese team mate Sanchez.
Prodl 7
Lucky not to concede a penalty for challenge on Ozil.
Cathcart 8
MotM. Rock solid, no-nonsense display as he held firm.
Ake 6
Looked suspect at left back, Arsenal gave him problems.
Capoue 6
Busy, worked hard and effective in midfield engine room.
Watson 7
Had a good season, this display about hard work.
Behrami 7
Lots of industry and hard work. Very solid.
Guedioura 7
Hit a wonder goal, amazing strike. Excellent.
Deeney 7
His hold-up for Guedioura’s goal typifies his contribution.
Ighalo 7
Lovely finish on the opening goal.
Substitutes
Anya, for Capoue, 73 mins, 6
Abdi, for Guedioura, 77 mins
Amrabat, for Ighalo, 82 mins
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