Arsenal’s class proved too much for Leeds’ bluster in pulsating FA Cup replay at Elland Road. Samir Nasri’s weaved his magic to create the foundations, before Robin Van Persie ultimately ended the hopes of the Championship challengers in front of their noisy faithful…
Arsene Wenger predictably shuffled his teamsheet once again. In came Nicklas Bendtner, Chamakh, Kieran Gibbs, Denilson, Arshavin and Bacary Sagna – the latter returning from a three-match suspension. That meant that the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Robin Van Persie, Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott, Gael Clichy and Emmanuel Eboue all dropped out.
Samir Nasri was handed the skipper’s armband on the night with Cesc Fabregas starting life on the bench. The Frenchman responded with a display typical of a season which has seen him emerge as Player of the Year candidate. Nasri’s smart finish for Arsenal’s opener was the icing on a cake crafted from seemingly endless prompting and passing. Nasri glided through a crowded Elland Road midfield to dominate matters. He remains a key component of our Fantasy squads, despite the return of Fabregas and Robin Van Persie onto the Arsenal scene.
That pairing played their part in the victory – both emerged from the bench to combine to kill the tie off. It was Fabregas’ pass that set Nicklas Bendtner scurrying down the right flank to find Van Persie with a delicious cross which he duly converted with a header for the third goal; a reminder of the Dutchman’s often forgotten qualities as a centre-forward. Van Persie he offers so much more than far post headers but, in this instance, his ruthless contribution was telling and the goal will only raise his profile further as FPL Managers contemplate their wildcard squads.
Bacary Sagna had earlier blasted Arsenal into a two goal lead – an advantage that looked unassailable given their dominance. Bradley Johnson’s incredible 30-yard effort changed the complexion but Arsenal’s class and Van Persie’s intervention was to prove too much for Simon Grayson’s side.
Wenger’s team selection for the weekend clash with Wigan will be interesting. We should of course expect starting roles for Van Persie and Fabregas. Theo Walcott would also seem set to earn a recall and his fifth consecutive league start. He will likely come in for Andrey Arshavin who dwindled several opportunities at Elland Road. The back four would seem likely to remain untouched, aside from Clichy’s recall to left-back. Johan Djourou looks set to continue then and offer clean sheet potential against Wigan for a price of 4.2.
