Since moving to Lincoln in 2003 I have long dreamed of the possibility of Arsenal drawing Lincoln in the cup and it has now happened, although the ideal scenario would have been an away tie at Sincil Bank.
The mighty Imps are set to travel to the Emirates for the FA Cup quarter-final, but will it be a step closer to Wembley for the Gunners or another scalp for Lincoln?
I have a real soft spot for Lincoln and I have always looked out for the results since moving here. When they were relegated in 2011 I remember writing about how painful it was watching their demise unfold. Being at Sincil Bank to see them beat Southend, and looking like they were almost safe to witnessing their capitulation against Aldershot, was hard to take. But look at them now, the Imps are flying high and it is great to see.
From play-off contenders during my university years to dropping out of the Football League was very sad to see. I also remember working in a busy newsroom when the news broke about the sad passing of Keith Alexander and helping to cover the story and the whole range of emotions of the day. It really has been a rollercoaster for Lincoln City and they remain a really important club to me, so I am understandably delighted by them being serious title contenders and still in the FA Cup this season.
But my blood is well and truly Arsenal red and on Saturday I will be supporting the Gunners...sorry Lincoln!
Some of my fellow Lincoln-based Arsenal fans want the Imps to win this one and, although I can understand their sentiment of wanting the local side to do well, I can’t bring myself to hold exactly the same feeling. Don’t get me wrong I love Lincoln and want them to succeed, but Arsenal are the football team closest to my heart and with this being our best chance at a trophy I wouldn’t want us to lose at anyone’s expense.
So how do I think the game will pan out? I genuinely believe it will hinge on the opening 15-20 minutes. If Lincoln can keep us out and maybe even nick a goal then they will have a chance and cause anxious Arsenal, who I know all too well, to make an appearance. However, should we start strongly like I know we can we could potentially blow Lincoln out the water, but I am taking nothing for granted. This game is massive. It isn’t just about Arsenal-Lincoln or the future of Arsene Wenger and the pressure on us at the moment. It is about our best chance to win a trophy this season but, almost just as importantly, about the FA Cup itself. I don’t just love the competition because we are the most successful side in the history of the FA Cup or because we have won it twice in recent years. I just simply love the tournament and watching FA Cup games no matter who is involved.
If I had to make a gut prediction at this stage it would be 4-1 Arsenal and that doesn’t mean I am not taking Lincoln seriously as I certainly haven’t written them off. Anything can happen in the FA Cup and we need to make sure we don’t get complacent. Nobody has a given right to win a cup tie and it is about who wants it more on the day. We should have too much for them, but you just never know and we need a strong start and for the manager and the players to stand up to be counted. This may make me an unpopular local during FA Cup weekend, but I will always be Arsenal til I die!
Whatever the result, Lincoln can be proud of what has been a magnificent cup run from beating Altrincham, to knocking out four higher league sides including Premier League Burnley. Danny Cowley has done a tremendous job since arriving from Braintree and undoubtedly other clubs will be sniffing around for his services, but I genuinely believe Lincoln is where he is meant to be and I hope he stays for many years to come.
As for his opposite number at Arsenal, Wenger, opinion remains divided on whether or not he should stay. It is really hard not to let emotion get in the way of my feelings on this one. Some people say no league titles in 13 years means it is time to move on, whilst others want to stick by him no matter what. I agree that the length of time without a trophy is unacceptable and he has made some mistakes during his reign. The recent 10-2 aggregate defeat to Bayern Munich that ended our Champions League dream for yet another season showed maybe it is time for a change this summer. But whenever he goes I hope he is remembered for the good times and that the anti-Wenger fans don’t let their emotions over spill. Yes, it could be time for a change, but the grass isn’t always greener!
I will never forget what he has done for the club and whether he leaves in the summer or over the next few seasons we can’t ignore the past. I agree with some of the criticism that has come his way and I too get baffled by him sometimes, and I must admit the second 10 years have been nowhere near as good as the first. I have no idea who is the best candidate to succeed him and if it does happen in the summer or later I will understand and back the new man 100%. But when it is time for him to end his reign at Arsenal I’ll think of his overall reign with a smile.
Another FA Cup would be nice, so let’s make sure we are not on the wrong end of a cup upset!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
*This blog entry can also be found on the Lincolnshire Echo's website - http://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/how-does-an-arsenal-fan-living-in-lincoln-feel-about-facing-lincoln-city-in-the-fa-cup/story-30190100-detail/story.html
No comments:
Post a Comment