City's loss perfect chance for Arsenal to break trophy drought

The moment Olivier Giroud slotted in a wonderfully constructed third goal in the 83rd minute of the FA Cup quarter-final against Everton, a whole bunch of Arsenal players rushed towards the striker to celebrate but at the other end of the field, Per Mertasaker went down on his knees in disbelief. It has been eight years since Arsenal won a trophy. This win meant that they got a step closer to ending their drought. But as long as Manchester City remained in the fight, most observers didn’t give them a chance. Even as Manchester City were battling for a place in the semi-final against Wigan at the Etihad stadium, the FA Cup draw was being conducted and Arsenal were drawn against the winners of Manchester City-Wigan tie. [caption id=“attachment_1427131” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Wenger might have a reason to smile very soon. Reuters[/caption] Wigan were leading and prayers rang out from the hearts of Arsenal fans for the Championship side to hold on to the lead. The final whistle was blown and the Gunners all around the world celebrated… not just because Wigan had caused an upset but also because this meant Arsenal now had the perfect opportunity to add some silverware to their trophy cabinet. Arsenal currently sit third in the Premier League with 59 points, seven points behind table-toppers Chelsea with a game in hand. Arsenal have been dealt two huge injury blows – Theo Walcott (ruled out for the season) and now Jack Wilshere for six weeks. Also given the fact that Liverpool, second in the table, are in blistering form coupled with squad strengths of Manchester City and Chelsea, getting their hands on the Premier League silverware might just be a touch difficult – if not impossible. The 2-0 defeat in the Champions League against Bayern Munich at the Emirates in the first leg of the round of 16 means that the chances of a semi-final berth are bleak as well. Arsenal have had a very good run in the FA Cup and having beaten the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton, the path to be traveled is relatively easy now with a semi-final tie lined up against Championship side Wigan Athletic and a prospective final against Premier League side Hull City, currently placed 13th in the league table or League one side Sheffield United. With the current squad, this is Arsenal’s best shot at winning a trophy this year and they would be hoping to bury the ghosts of 2006 Champions League final and 2011 League Cup losses. Arsenal have played some beautiful football over the years but have tumbled at crucial junctures. This time around, Arsene Wenger really needs his players to show that “special mental strength” to deliver the elusive silverware.