Facts: 7 FA Cup truths – Empty seats, Keano, Webb and Jose’s failure 1. The magic of the FA Cup is more Paul Daniels that David Blaine these days There are cliches in football, then there are cliches in football. We love the term the ‘magic of the Cup’, but it seems that our appetite for the world’s most famous knockout tournament is not shared by others, particularly Sunderland, Southampton or Swansea. The FA Cup magic we think about belongs to the days of Paul Daniels rather than the era of David Blaine. To suggest Premier League clubs are really interested in the old pot is an illusion Blaine would be proud of. All we see nowadays are vanishing supporters and players. Sunderland made nine changes from their normal line-up in a ghostly 1-0 win over Southampton, who rested Jay Rodriguez, Morgan Schneiderlin and Jose Fonte. Goodness knows why as Mauricio Pochettino’s side are well out of the relegation zone. But did anybody really care? Only 16,777 turned up at the Stadium of Light to watch it. Swansea subscribed to similar behaviour which brings us to our next truth… - – - 2. Roy Keane is not going to meet Garry Monk for a game of darts down his local any time soon Call it a spot of ‘monkey business’, but Swansea appeared to visit Everton with one-arm tied behind their back. The Swans lost 3-1 at Goodison Park, a highly predictable return when you consider Jose Canas, Wayne Routledge and Pablo Hernandez were the only regulars to retain their place in the side that drew 1-1 at Stoke in the league. Swansea manager Monk said he had to make changes ahead of Thursday night’s Europa League last 32 first leg with Napoli. “When you have got seven games in 21 days, it is impossible to play the same 11 in every game. I can only judge the boys on the week I have had and their attitude has been magnificent, every one. From the first day, I said everyone would play and I was true to my word.” Such words were not enough to placate watching ITV pundit Roy Keane who derided Monk’s policy as shameful. Say what you see, Roy. - – - 3. Manchester City were the big winners of the weekend City’s 2-0 win over Chelsea was easier than anyone could have expected, especially after falling to a 1-0 defeat in the Premier League to Jose Mourinho’s side at the Etihad Stadium 12 days earlier. Goals in each half from Steven Jovetic and Samir Nasri were enough for Manuel Pellegrini’s side. While the draw for the quarter-finals threw up a match between Arsenal and Everton at the Emirates, City have to face holders Wigan at home. Fair enough, they lost to Wigan in last season’s FA Cup final, but that was then and this is now. Pellegrini is not Roberto Mancini, and Wigan are a Championship side, no longer Premier League material. The semis beckon for Pellegrini’s imposing side who are now just 25/1 shots to win the quadruple. Read more here The post Facts: 7 FA Cup truths – Empty seats, Keano, Webb and Jose’s failure appeared first on Nigeria Newsline.
Posted on: Sun, 16 Feb 2014 23:44:06 +0000
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