Often the bridesmaids, rarely the brides
A look ahead to Arsenal and Manchester City's FA Cup tie on Sunday
Arsenal host Manchester City in the FA Cup Fifth Round this weekend in a narratively compelling football match as both teams attempt to be in with a chance of ending Chelsea’s FA Cup run. With Arsenal having arguably slipped out of the title race, winning a domestic trophy feels imperative for Jonas Eidevall who has won one in his first two seasons. Gareth Taylor at Manchester City may have two trophies, but the lack of competitive success in comparison to Chelsea is stark, even if City can reasonably still have an eye on the title race.
The pressure for Arsenal to win will be heightened following their 2-1 loss to West Ham last weekend. With their Continental Cup quarter-final against London City Lionesses called off, Arsenal missed out on the chance to bounce back against lower league opposition and will instead be forced to show up against City.
On recent form, it is hard to look past City as favourites, but they have struggled to get results at Meadow Park. The last time City won away at Arsenal was back in February 2021, when a late Lauren Hemp winner gave them all three points.
“In my first season, we played Arsenal three times and we won 2-1. It always seems to be 2-1,” said Gareth Taylor speaking at his pre-match press conference.
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