We're Going to Wembley..for the Semi (that rhymes you know)

Mr. Cool





I have to admit to experiencing a ton of trepidation in anticipation of this game.  In light of our attitude and ineptitude against Stoke last week, I don't think it was an unreasonable reaction.  But, we again proved that we can survive and thrive after a setback.  We played a positive and attacking game against a team who did the same, and we came out unequivocal winners.  What fun it was, too.

 

I'm glad Fabianski started.  I know that there were many fans who wanted Szczesny between the sticks for such an important game, but Fabianski has done a really nice job in our cup matches, and because of Woj's red card, he's our goalie against Bayern .  Playing back to back games is important for a goalie, and I knew he'd be fine - which is really saying something about his current form.  I think his maturity level has helped him.  He's my pick for the FA Cup semi has well.  Wenger is all about keeping players' confidence high.  I would be very surprised if he pulls Fabianski from any future cup games.

We do better coming out of the blocks right away.  I don't understand why we don't do it more often.  Everton pressed us, too, but because of the positivity of our start, Ozil scored fairly early which revved our engines even more.  It does leave us more open to the opposition's counterattack, but we have a very reliable defense now that can handle most of that pressure.  And while Everton did bother us on the counter, they were fairly ineffective but for their opening goal.

 

We didn't crumble after Everton equalised. When Lukaku scored, I held my breath for the rest of the half.  This season, our defense has been way more stable than season's past, but there has been enough inconsistency in our team performances that I just wondered if we could push our way through the mistakes that led to that goal.  And I was wondering if Flamini could be effective the rest of the game while being on that stupid yellow card.  But he was, and we did.  Talk about a confidence builder.

Santi and Mesut are a dream team.  Many have questioned whether having two such prolific and  creative midfielders playing on the pitch at the same time would be a magic blend or too much of a good thing.  Yesterday's game highlighted their individual achievements and their combined ones.  Santi's ability to create an extra yard of space allowed him two shots on goal, and his nimbleness of foot allowed him to get around an opponent, pass to himself, and set up Ozil with a perfectly weighted pass for his goal.  Ozil, in return, crossed a perfect pass that landed right on Santi's foot allowing him to shoot on the volley, and of course he was the final one-touch pass to Giroud for his goal.  Now that Ozil seems rested and rejuvenated along with Santi who looks to be fully recovered from his early season injury, I think the verdict is that these two players are combining to create and finish some beautiful team goals.  Delightful stuff.

I honestly don't think Mikel gets enough credit.  He's mostly noted for his aging legs and an inability to play every three days.  His contract should be winding down soon, and I'm not sure what, if any, kind of extension he will be offered.  All I know is that when he is not on the pitch, we miss him.  We miss his ability to help us keep possession, his calmness on the ball, his experience, and his aggression going into a tackle.  And the coolness with which he took that second penalty speaks volumes.  I just love him for that alone.

Rosicky signs extension as he's a must-have at 33 years old.  There's not many clubs who have someone of TR7's age and quality, and still-fresh legs.  Whether he comes off the bench or starts, he's a necessity.  His pass to Ozil in the set-up of our final goal was perfectly weighted and allowed the German to touch and pass the goal in stride.  He looks to be enjoying his football now more than ever.

Theo being out has allowed Ox to shine.  Ox having to compete with Theo for the right wing position and Wilshere/Ramsey for a a middle one all season could have robbed us of the revelation he has become in their absences.  Coming back from his own injury, Ox looked to me as if he had slimmed down and sped up.  He has a passion and fire when he plays now that may be the result on missing so much football, and now he has given the manager a real argument for starting in two different positions every game.  I like that he was subbed off during this match.  Wenger sometimes has overplayed guys coming back from injury, resulting in longer-term ones (Theo anyone?), and we need Ox in perfect shape for the next three months.

March can be another resurgence for us.  The teams we have left to play are probably going to be more challenging than last year's run-in, but we have important players returning, and we are a better squad as well.  If all the pistons are firing, and with the right players peaking, I am much more optimistic about our chances of winning a trophy than I was a week ago.

That's it for now.  We have Bayern on Tuesday so I'll be back with a pre-match report for that game.  I apologize for not having one for this week, but I was experiencing so many internet issues, I almost threw my computer out the window.  Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

And take care you Gooners.