Breaking Down Arsenal's Chances of Winning the FA Cup
Arsenal are just two victories away from a second consecutive Wembley final appearance. Successfully through to the quarter-finals, the Gunners have a great chance of winning the FA Cup.
But can they really go all the way and defend their title?
Romping into the FA Cup quarter-final with a comfortable 2-0 win against Middlesbrough, Arsenal made light work of what could have been a tricky assignment.
All of a sudden, their chances of winning the FA Cup received a massive boost. But with Manchester United to come in the last eight on March 7, the stakes have been raised massively.
Having overcome Hull City as well as Brighton and Hove Albion alongside their win against Aitor Karanka's men, Arsene Wenger's side have shown tremendous mettle.
Olivier Giroud was instrumental in their fifth-round victory in netting a wonderful brace in the space of roughly two minutes.
And with a series of tasty battles now set up, the excitement is continuing to build across the country.
But it's Arsenal who have the edge to go all the way. And here we take a look at exactly why.
Possession monopoly guards their defence
Wenger's team have only conceded two goals in this edition of the FA Cup—an impressive string of defensive performances from a team that are not usually considered for their quality defending.
Indeed, that strength will certainly come into play against the Red Devils and beyond.
Incidentally, their inspiring revival all started following a home defeat to Louis Van Gaal's charges back in November 2014.
Gunned down 2-1 thanks to some poor defending which included an own goal by Kieran Gibbs, Arsenal let slip the same number of goals as United had shots on target. Disorganised and without a coherent shape, they saw themselves spread more and more by a pacey opposition as the match dragged on.
In the end, the Champions League outfit were made to pay, despite how much they controlled the ball.
How quickly things change.
Arsenal have turned a corner. Keeping five clean sheets in the league as well as another two in the FA Cup, they've successfully revamped their back line.
But how have they done it?
A possession-loving team, Arsenal have regularly dominated the possession stakes in an effort to shelter their defence. As reported by the BBC's Patrick Jennings, they kept 65 percent possession against Boro, which was the third time this season they had the majority share of possession in the FA Cup.
But it's having an increased impact on the final scorelines as their rearguard have become more independently competent in tidying up attacks on their goal.
At the heart of their defence, the likes of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker have also been key with repeatedly clever clearances, interceptions and determination across the board.
Francis Coquelin is adding a spine
Aside from a vastly improved rearguard, it's a defensively aware midfield that's arguably had the biggest impact.
And Francis Coquelin, in particular, has been key.
A tough-tackling midfielder who adds bite and steel to the centre of the park, with him on the field, Arsenal can consider themselves favourites to take home the cup yet again.
One of the best tacklers in the European game right now, his speed of thought to track back and shut down assaults before they have a chance to develop has instilled a protective mentality in his team-mates as well. And his interceptive prowess has seen him become recognised, as reported by Squawka, here:
He's also adding a layer of intimidation to Arsenal's set-up as underlined by the expletive-laden verbal lashing he gave to Hull's Stephen Quinn recently. So, psychologically he's injecting everyone around him with some much-needed resolve.
And, as highlighted in the video package below, it's clear his insistence on barking orders and trying to organise the team around him is having a really positive effect on their organisation. Along with this, the numerous examples of his high-pressing, industrious running, timely interceptions and feisty clearances all prove exactly how effective he is in his role at the club.
And his influence will manifest itself against a United side who have rarely looked threatening or imposing through the middle of the pitch. In truth, he will have an impact against any side they meet between now and the final.
Picking out stray passes at will, Coquelin's awareness has helped to link a more astute defence with an ever-hungry attack.
Doing the grunt work, the former Charlton Athletic loanee is doing what Patrick Vieira perfected during Arsenal's golden years. And although he still has a long way to go to reach the same levels of prestige, the early signs have been positive.
Offensive firepower packs a punch
The best way to win matches is to score goals. And the Community Shield holders have certainly been doing that.
In fact, an abundance of net-rattlers means they aren't reliant on any one player—a far cry from their early-season label as a "one-man team" by many.
Detractors will argue that they've been converting against weaker teams, but that's not in any way a slight against their chances of defending their title. After all, none of the teams remaining are particularly strong outfits.
Arsenal, on the other hand, haven't been made to play any extra games.
And that's thanks to some clinical finishing. Per Mertesacker, Theo Walcott, Tomas Rosicky, Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil have all contributed to the seven FA Cup goals they've scored this season.
Giroud, too, has been instrumental to their deadly accuracy.
Indeed, the France international showed great reactions on each occasion.
As highlighted in the video package below, the 28-year-old was eager to rattle the back of the net from short range and long range—as exhibited by his left-footed effort from 20 yards inside the first-half that was palmed away to safety.
And against a frail Manchester United defence next month, Wenger's cohorts will let loose as they plough through to the semi-finals. Energetic frontman Sanchez will also be pivotal to an attempt to over-power the 2004 FA Cup champions as he aims to bustle about the pitch and pressurise them.
This is despite the fact that HITC's Dan Coombs reckons the timing of next month's encounter will work against the reigning champions and in the favour of the Red Devils.
Conclusion
The last time Arsenal won back-to-back FA Cup honours was in 2003, nearly 12 years ago.
It's going to take all of their mental strength to do it.
But with lots of minnows left such as Bradford, Blackburn Rovers and Reading alongside poor outfits like Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion, Arsenal have a tremendous chance to repeat history.
With a good defence, a reinforced midfield and the recent experience of winning this competition permeating through their squad, the Gunners have the initiative and the momentum to go all the way.
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