It’s always a huge occasion. A trophy well steeped in tradition, filled with rich veins of history, as well as the element of unpredictability and drama.
Arsenal are in the FA Cup Final for the second year in a row, and it is safe to say that the cup has never lost its magic. While critics have pointed out that it has lost its significance, Arsenal will be dying to get their hands on that piece of silverware again and defend their crown as FA Cup champions.
Last year, it required a dramatic winner from Aaron Ramsey to overcome a 2-0 deficit and win the final 3-2, laying claim to their first silverware in nearly 9 years. It was a cathartic release of immense relief and joy, made even more overwhelming by the barren years without silverware that have brought both frustration and dissatisfaction to the club.
While this season did not quite receive the springboard the FA Cup success promised, it will be absolutely vital that Arsenal retain the trophy to strongly leave a statement of intent that they are indeed maneuvering towards success, and are on a slow, upward curve. A long standing debate this season has been whether Arsenal have made progress this season, and yes, some progress has been made, but the tantalising prospect of further silverware still remains to be fought, and if it is lost, then fans may feel the world crashing in again, with progress being a word consigned to the bin.
Win, and it will give the squad massive confidence to mount a serious title challenge next season, as well as bring a great closure to the somewhat tumultuous season of two diverse halves.
Anything can happen in the FA Cup, such is the unpredictability of the competition, that has given it the magic, as some have described. Arsenal must retain focus and concentration in this pivotal, season-defining game of the 2014/15 campaign.
Question marks still linger over the team selection, and whether Arsenal have the capacity to break teams down who aim to frustrate and defend resolutely. When that happens, it becomes incumbent on Arsenal to hack down the lock, and blast a hole in the bus. Whatever happens, the team must have the mental resilience to deal with the weight of pressure on the day and rise up to the occasion.
Last season’s freeze frame of euphoria and ecstasy was dramatic, with Aaron Ramsey popping up with the late winner, no one knows what’s going to happen in the final, but Arsenal don’t have to look much further back than last year to draw inspiration on a truly special occasion.
Wembley is back. Behold yourselves for the magic of the FA Cup.
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