Anyone who buys into the oft repeated media convention that the FA Cup no longer means anything in the modern game needs to take a look at the scenes which took place in Villa Park on Saturday evening. The explosion of emotion from the Villa fans which spilled from the stands and onto the pitch served to remind the old and infirm among us of a bygone era. Not always a better era I hasten to add. Running battles along concrete terraces, ploughed pitches that made Selhurst Park look like the newly laid baize on a snooker table, up and under cloggers sending the ball skywards, racist chanting and mounted police. Age provides us with a curious telescope through which to gaze at the past. I know all of those things to be true and yet still experience a serene, fuzzy contentment when I allow myself to wallow in the warm waters of my nostalgia. There was an electricity in a football stadium whether it was a European Cup night between giants of the modern game or an early round of the Sherpa Van Trophy against Wallsall on a wet Wednesday evening at Twerton Park.
The raw, visceral excitement contorting the faces of those Villa fans as their team moved to within sight of a trip to Wembley – even if it was only for a semi final – had that same lightning running through it. This wasn’t generated by the magic of the FA Cup per se, it had more to do with the way football manages to connect with some primitive ferocity within us, encapsulating fear, anticipation, loathing, love, release, relief, joy and exultation all in an adrenaline fuelled ninety minutes of savage nail biting tension. It does help that there was a chance of glory at the end of the game, that the opposition were local rivals and that their side had endured a very poor season thus far, but it did me good to see that people still cared enough to get so carried away.
The BBC commentators were of course appalled by the pitch invasion and even those of us less feeble minded than Mark Lawrenson (and I am not excluding much of the human race in that statement) were concerned as the fans streamed onto the pitch. I ought to point out that I wasn’t overly worried about public safety more that Villa might see the result overturned if their own fans caused the match to be abandoned. No one wanted to see Pulis get a second chance to stink up the semi finals with his twisted, smug little grin did they? I didn’t particularly fear for the safety of the inept referee or the players as it looked as if most fans crossed the invisible barrier simply to congratulate their heroes, take a selfie or just to express the rapture of the moment. The debate which followed however, stirred some memories.
The last time I went onto the pitch during a game was, I think, about nineteen ninety six. It was Ashton Gate, Rovers were destroying City by two goals to nil and many City fans spent the match locked out of the ground due to a sell out crowd. Some of these started trying to come in through the back of the stand in which the away fans were corralled. Made a deuce of a row tearing off hoardings and banging on the walls as I recall. We decided to wander onto the pitch to avoid becoming embroiled in any potential disorder and thereby alert the authorities to the fact that a bunch of fans were wrecking their own stadium to try to get at us. It was a frightfully genteel pitch invasion with people helping elderly supporters over the barrier and those with children being shepherded to the front of the queue. Later on however the home fans raced onto the turf intent on chasing the players and officials from the pitch. In the main they succeeded, but the Rovers centre forward Peter Beadle not only stood his ground but actually stepped forward towards the baying mob which then broke about him like water around a rock. It was quite a sight. Put it this way, if I had stood in an infantry square on the field of Waterloo as the French Cuirassiers bore down upon us I’d have hoped to find Peter Beadle stood next to me. Mounted police cleared the pitch and if memory serves the result stood.
I don’t anticipate any such scenes at Old Trafford tonight. There is still passion in the game, Villa park provides ample evidence of that, but I suspect the stewarding and policing when Man United host Arsenal is pretty slick. Evidence the fact that the only real problems in recent fixtures between the two clubs have involved the management and or playing staff rather than the supporters. The match means no less to either side than it did to Pulis and Sherwood’s teams, it represents a very real chance of a trophy to a United ensemble which looked to have lost its way for much of the last couple of years. The pessimistic among our fan base probably feel the same about us. Personally, I think Liverpool are the team to beat this year and I don’t mean to belittle the challenge of overcoming United when I say that. It’s just they are the ones in form right now, whereas United, like us, have got results without always looking a hundred percent convincing.
My optimism before kick off is of course irrelevant. You all know by now that I expect to win every game and am always bewildered when we lose. This doesn’t grow out of any blind faith or inability to acknowledge potential pitfalls. It stems from the simple fact that on our day, when everything falls into place and our best players play to their potential we can absolutely stuff anybody you care to put in front of us. It is impossible to know in advance if today will be one of those perfect days, but faced with the simple fact that it could be I choose to think it might. Why not? The self harm brigade don’t have a monopoly on guessing the future. Today though my usual Leonard Nimoy style of logical, clear thinking has been invaded by what might almost pass for superstition. You see I just feel we’re due a bit of a break against Man United. I think we’ve been unlucky against them too often in too many ways. Drawn when we should have won, lost when we could consider ourselves unfortunate had we only drawn, been the victims of injustice too many times to count. If you ask me it’s time to lay a bit of a diabolic red ghost to rest. I don’t underestimate United and I don’t underestimate the passion of the FA Cup but I don’t believe Arsenal should be underestimated either.
The fervour on display at Villa Park has given me much pause for thought. Seeing just how strong is the power of football, how it still has the ability to galvanise the emotions of its adherents made me realise something I’ve perhaps overlooked. In the age of isolated support, when folk sit alone all over the world watching the game with those same emotions tearing through their veins, they have no outlet for their feelings. We can’t all run onto the pitch or be humiliated by Peter Beadle when passion overcomes us but that same passion is there nonetheless. Is it any surprise then that some people may be prone to rash and injudicious outbursts? Perhaps I should be more understanding when some folk rush to judgement on twitter if things go against their team. Maybe I’ve been a little harsh in the past when some supporters simply fail to master their feelings and their reactions lack a desirable discernment. I shall endeavour to be more forgiving in future and especially this evening. It is after all the FA Cup quarter final. I think we’re allowed to get a little carried away aren’t we?
Positively Arsenal 
well said (TOTAL OVER REACTION FROM THE MEDIA) .
LikeLike
A win tonight will see an impromptu and totally spontaneous invasion of my kitchen with a reserved red certainly and suddenly promoted to the front room and much merriment will be the order of the remainder of the evening. Which will include at the very least a re-run of all three of our goals scored!
Thanks for a great precursor to one of the biggest games of the season. We are supposed to ‘hate’ Spurs but the last ten years (and more) of witnessing the robberies unfold at the hands of Manure and their refereeing cohorts has left me with a dislike of this particular rival that can only be described as profound.
And like you, Steww, I feel sure we are overdue a reversal of the outrageous fortune that has been the hallmark of most of our annual encounters.
Gonna be a long day of meticulous mental preparation ahead; as the Villans of this weekend’s peace have testified by their invasive actions, in terms of expectant passion, hopes and dreams, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I’ve just read some other blogs and can’t help feeling I’ve failed you all again. I haven’t predicted the team line up nor been sarcastic about Arsenal nor dismissive about the upcoming Monaco game.
Sorry about that.
LikeLiked by 4 people
rio kung fu kick on sagna
vidic hand ball in area
rooney dive x 106
ronaldo dive x 97
van nistleroy
stam giggs yorke …all star cunts…
ferguson : ‘to beat arsenal you have to kick em’
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes indeedy, steww. Those were the days, although I don’t recall going to a Sherpa Van Trophy match.
Just a minor aside on the “being due some luck against United” line – I think we took a hefty overdraft in the 2005 final against United – very lucky to get that one on penalties. Let’s hope we’ve paid it back by now.
LikeLike
disgraceful from the bbc
The Twelfth Man @_The12thMan · 11h 11 hours ago
State of this by @bbcsport – Look at assists, then the difference in line size. Compare it with the goals. Agenda.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B_nQj3rWwAA6i6M.png:large
LikeLike
Morning Stew and fine opening to a big day in the season. Generally the FA cup games this weekend have been disappointing and te only bright spot was the pitch invasion.
The Villa hulabaloo was a bit of an eye opener in these times of sanitised corporate football for some. That stuff is simmering just below the surface, all it needs is a hard afternoon on the beer and some ineffective policing to unleash it. I was intrigued to hear that Fabien Delph complained he had been “bitten” by celebrating home fans after the final whistle. Taking a meaty chunk out of your heroes is, I think, going a bit too far.
LikeLike
I am not entirely sure about the picture though, the red British square assaulted on all sides by Napoleon’s blue clad cavalry.
The problem is tonight, other than the French connection, we are in blue.
LikeLike
I’m happy to see the blues over running the red defenders.
LikeLike
There was a mini invasion after the second goal. It all looked rather fun as you say. Should we win this evening I will do similar. Can imagine spilling out into the kitchen if we win 2-0.
LikeLike
Thanks for sparing us the sneers and pessimism Steww. That’s why we come here. But I wonder who will start? Its a hard one to call. My instinct is that we are always better when Chamberlain and Ramsey play but that would probably mean not starting Alexis or Cazorla.
LikeLike
foreverheady – I don’t mind playing guess the line up I just think the comment section is the place to do that. The blogger has no more knowledge than anyone else and I find it a little dull and repetitive when so many of them pad their pre match with such guess work.
I prefer to pad mine with entirely irrelevant reminiscences.
LikeLiked by 1 person
we obviously need to be solid first 20, that old chesnut, and I would prefer the Ox on the right and Le Coq and Aaron in the middle with TR7 drifting in from the left I also want to see the flair of Santi and Mezut and Danny and Oli oh and of course I want to see Alexsis buzzing around and Chuba scareing the life out of their back four. I know we need a back four and a keeper so I might just have to start with 16 do you think I’ll get away with it. COYG
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looking at the views per hour, its obvious that if “ARSENAL” is not included in the title, then 90% of people don’t read it. This used to bother me, It now has the opposite effect. If someone needs to be spoon-fed a catchy title, then they don’t deserve the treat that this blog is.
From now on, fuck them. I am actually pleased they are missing out.
What a wonderful read Stew. Never compromise.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry about that George I didn’t know such a phenomenon existed. I just love a silly title. I’ll happily change it now the regulars have been.
LikeLike
No chance Stew – we are probably cleaning up the millions who love Jeremy Beadle
LikeLike
aaagghh – too slow
LikeLike
“It was at Wembley which for a guy who comes from France, you know, for me it was all new. It was really something special. The whole stadium…it was an old stadium, but there was a soul in there that was exceptional, the grass was special.”
i never expected that..i always had him for an absinthe fiend
LikeLike
Fuck. I’ll change it back. I just assumed if you read the blog you had an email alert or followed George on twitter had no idea the title made any difference.
LikeLike
Seriously Stew. I don’t want it to be changed, Nor do I want you to ever consider it when choosing a title.
I used to want to expand the readership. (Though for the life of me I cant remember why) but now I am more interested in us having a little place where we can all be content and friends.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bugger. I’m too slow too.
LikeLike
“What people forget is that we had to build the stadium, to build the stadium we had to create money. ”
but…but Arsene!!! ffs why wont you listen to Amy man !? We got Usmanov who can pay for everything……why do it the hard way? what will we tell our children when drogba and giggs and ronaldo disgrace us on the pitch?
LikeLike
Hey I can do a new title every time there’s a new comment. I like coming up with titles.
LikeLike
i dont like the title steww, i have to say…too defeatist… what happened to you man? who turned you into such a pessimist ?
remember conan the barbarian where the mongolian shaman asks him what is most important in life. to which arnold replies:
“to crush your enemies, to see them fall at your feet — to take their horses and goods and hear the lamentation of their women. That is best.”
LikeLike
Defeatist? Only if Man United have a horde of Prussian, Dutch and Belgian cavalry descend on our left flank at the last gasp. Napolean had Waterloo in the bag but for that.
LikeLike
no no change it …. change it now before you condemn us to napoleon’s fate you evil shaman…i know what youre on sir….. you and the other guys …im watching. its the reverse voodoo trick , patent 172/86 RBF’01, developed by my grandfather in the assyrian conflict….the reverse voodoo is against cesc and the translator…these posers were playing today are just waiting for the fatal stroke. We shall duly oblige. Little ox has been lubricating the barrell all weekend and super tom has prepared the solo hit in his guitar. santi on the tempo sticks hitting hard ..left right left right left left left right.left right right…whoever holds bass at the back just dont use the trombone or unconvetional methods via keyboard…we want traditional ..teh celo if necessary…
LikeLike
And there was mounting in hot haste; the steed,
The mustering squadron, and the clattering car,
Went pouring forward with impetuous speed,
And swiftly forming in the ranks of war;
And the deep thunder, peal on peal afar;
And near, the beat of the alarming drum
Roused up the soldier ere the morning star;
While thronged the citizens with terror dumb,
Or whispering, with white lips —
“The foe! they come! they come!”
LikeLiked by 2 people
Perfect Foreverheady. Spot on. Especially as Byron hated the outcome of the battle, seeing it as a king maker and the end of revolution in Europe.
LikeLike
As Gary Neville often says when we discuss Byron ” Show us his medals”
LikeLike
ahahaahahhahaha
LikeLike
—————
“This doesn’t grow out of any blind faith or inability to acknowledge potential pitfalls. It stems from the simple fact that on our day, when everything falls into place and our best players play to their potential we can absolutely stuff anybody you care to put in front of us.”
—————-
Super Wow! just a brilliant post, thanks so much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The most exciting fixture for me thus far this season. Let’s hope both teams go at each other.
LikeLike
Hear hear gainsy, lets have a proper cup tie and may the best team win.
LikeLike
Arsenal team v Man Utd: Szczesny, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin, Cazorla, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ozil, Alexis, Welbeck
subs: Martinez, Gibbs, Chambers, Ramsey, Giroud, Walcott, Akpom
LikeLike
Manchester United: De Gea, Valencia, Smalling, Rojo, Shaw, Blind, Herrera, Di Maria, Fellaini, Young, Rooney
Substitutes: Valdes, Rafael, Jones, Carrick, Januzaj, Mata, Falcao
LikeLike
Sam @samuelJayC · 17m 17 minutes ago
Not in #AFC squad: Ospina, Debuchy, Gabriel, Flamini, Arteta, Diaby, Wilshere, Rosický & Gnabry
LikeLike
Not able to take a nap before the match. Going to look like a zombie tomorrow.
Thanks Steww. Lets do it!
LikeLike
That manager of ours makes some brave selections. I feel more confident now I have seen that team – and it is a team I would never have thought to pick.
LikeLike
Apparently there are 10,000 away fans at OT. Come on away fans! Do us proud!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Very exciting line up
LikeLiked by 1 person
PG, the only headline needed is Steww, Anicoll5 (centre-half ?) etc., not forgetting your good self.
I agree Steww, a cracking game and may the best team win.
Curious that since the broken leg, Valencia is now a full-back!
LikeLike
Brilliant pre-match Steww.
LikeLike
Come on the gunners!
LikeLike
I’m ready – we have the players, we have the football- let’s get this done
LikeLike
early booking for Bellerin
LikeLike
not a decision going our way
LikeLike
outstanding team goal scored by Monreal, and it was a fine cool finish too
LikeLike
wenger did a little jig of delight
LikeLike
fucking bollock, rooney makes it 1-1 only minutes later with a header from seven yards out, kos not close enough and not sure why kos failed to get up to the header
clear penalty not given to welbeck, fucking corrupt refs at it again
LikeLike
HT: 1-1
LikeLike