Who said that the League Cup was dead, a competition with no meaning and importance? Quite simply you can’t suppress the beauty of a cup competition, and the past two days have vividly demonstrated why the League Cup is still an integral part of our footballing calendar.
The contests between Arsenal and Reading on Tuesday, and then the rematch between Chelsea and Manchester United last night will live long in the memory of those who witnessed the games. Sadly time constraints prevented me from seeing the games first hand, but from catching up on highlights, reading reports and listening to people raving about the games, it was clear that I had missed two remarkable spectacles.
Arsenal’s comeback against Reading must rate as one of the greatest in living memory, and will be even sweeter after a reinvigorated Newcastle fought back from 4-0 down to draw 4-4 against Arsenal in February 2011. After 37 minutes the game looked over as a contest, but somehow Arsenal plucked up the resilience and guile to fightback from what appeared a forlorn position. It would be an understatement to describe this as a game of two halves.
To score twice in the last two minutes is credit to the never say die attitude of Wenger’s side in what was a classic encounter. The last time a League Cup tie ended 4-4 after 90 minutes was back in August 1999, in an encounter between Port Vale and Chester. That was a two legged tie in the first round of the competition, which was then branded the Worthington Cup. Chester carried a 2-1 advantage into the second leg, so the 4-4 draw at Vale Park saw them earn a 6-5 aggregate victory.
That might have been an exciting encounter, but it doesn’t truly compare to the drama that was witnessed at the Madejski Stadium. Memories of Arsenal’s 8-2 humiliation at the hands of Manchester United last year must have filled supporters’ heads, but there was no replication of such embarrassment, as the Gunners ended the tie in utter jubilation. Two goals in the 120th minute saw Arsenal somehow seal a 7-5 triumph, and progress in the competition.
If that wasn’t enough though, the magic continued the following day as Stamford Bridge played host to another incredible 120 minutes of football. Eden Hazard’s last minute penalty forced a 3-3 draw and extra time, where a five pronged Chelsea attack finally proved too strong for a youthful Manchester United side, running out 5-4 victors after extra time.
Of course people will argue that Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United all fielded essentially reserve sides, making major changes from their regular line ups. However sometimes it doesn’t matter which 22 players are on the field, if the entertainment is as good as we’ve witnessed, who cares? The magic of the cup wouldn’t be complete without an upset, and that was provided by League Two side Bradford, who in a less thrilling encounter, prevailed 4-2 on penalties over Wigan.
The game had remained goalless for 120 minutes, so penalties were required to separate the sides. The lottery fell in Bradford’s favour, and they now have the honour of hosting Arsenal in the quarter finals. It’s the underdog that often makes the cup; where else would a League Two side get to play a team of the pedigree of Arsenal.
Well the FA Cup I suppose. Yes after all the drama of midweek, the FA Cup gets underway this weekend, with minnows such as Yate Town, Arlesey Town and Isthmian League side the Metropolitan Police amongst the sides who will battle it out with professional outfits this weekend. Of course there will be an upset, there’s sure to be drama, and somewhere a tear will be shed; that is the beauty of the cup.