Arsenal Lose Strongest Chance of a Trophy

What a disappointment for the Arsenal young guns, a 2-0 loss to a surprisingly  strong Burnley side. It was one hell of a  freezing winter night and the cold looked to have got to the baby guns, as they were outplayed in a game they certainly should have won.

It is the strikers I feel who are to blame, Arsenal's superb midfield (excluding Mark Randall) created a host of chances for their front men but Burnley's hero Brian Jensen made sure the Burnley goal was left alone.

Though Jensen did make a number of fine saves as an Arsenal fan you have to feel that those chances should have been taken, as usual whenever Nicklas Bendtner had the ball he looked clumsy and nervous which cost Arsenal a semifinal berth.

Bendtner had three clearcut chances but the great Dane either hammered them at Jensen or smashed it wide, Bendtner needs to get his dribbling skills and shooting worked out or I do not see a place for him in the Arsenal side.

Burnely's midfield caused mass headaches for the Arsenal defence which is fair to say was extremely poor as it was missing Alexandre Song and Johan Djourou.

On too many occasions did the Burnely attack make its way through the Arsenal defence with ease, 'keeper Lukas Fabianski was not superb but did pull of a few fine saves to keep the Arsenal youngsters in the game but you have to admit the likes of Mikael Silvestre, Paul Rodgers, Gavin Hoyte, and Kieran Gibbs did not pull there wieght in defence.

The midfield at times looked superb with Aaron Ramsey and Fran Merida looking very dangerous with both their runs and passing. Jack Wilshere looked impressive at times and obviously has a big future but unfortunately mid-way through the second half it was way past his bed time and he was substituted.

Mark Randall was the worst of the Arsenal midfield, his defence was appalling and his efforts to stop two goal hero Kevin McDonald scoring were horrid. It was no surprise to see him taken off and looking back you feel that Wenger should of started with Amaury Bischoff or Francis Coquelin.

Arsene Wenger's choice to go with all youngsters is no doubt a smart plan as it gives the youngsters immense experience and confidence but Wenger should have had at least one  or two senior players on the bench like Robin van Persie, Emmanuel Adebayor, Abou Diaby, or Denilson.

This would mean if Arsenal do get in a spot of bother like they were, Wenger can turn to them to liven the attack or defence. It was a tad unlucky for the Gunners as some one like Eduardo or Emmanuel Eboue or Tomas Rosicky—who are all suffering from injury—could have fitted that role perfectly.

A poor game for Arsenal and it comes after a magnificent game at Stamford Bridge. It also means Arsenal lose their strongest chances of a trophy but there is still the Champions League and FA Cup.