Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal Vs Chelsea: 5 things we learned – Welcome to Wembley

By Andrew Dowdeswell

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 24: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal looks on during the Carabao Cup Semi-Final Second Leg at Emirates Stadium on January 24, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 24: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal looks on during the Carabao Cup Semi-Final Second Leg at Emirates Stadium on January 24, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 24: Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal reacts during the Carabao Cup Semi-Final Second Leg at Emirates Stadium on January 24, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 24: Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal reacts during the Carabao Cup Semi-Final Second Leg at Emirates Stadium on January 24, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

2. Cups are Arsenal’s friend

There is an acute difference between a team that flourishes in the league and a team that flourishes in cup competitions. The first requires consistency. They must be able to churn out the wins over an extended period. They must be solid, reliable, and unwavering in their form. The latter can be a much more temperamental team. They can blow hot and cold. They can flutter in and out of prosperous form. If they hit it at the right time, wins, and trophies, can follow.

It is easy to see which one Arsenal have been in recent seasons. Under Arsene Wenger, they suffer great waves of mediocrity and disappointment, scuppering any title challenge they wish to mount. But in any given game, in a 90 minute period where anything can happen, they have a unique ability to perform.

In the last five seasons, Arsenal have made three FA Cup semi-final appearances and one Carabao Cup semi-final appearance. They have won all four. And in the case of the three FA Cup campaigns, they have proceeded to also win the final, including overcoming Manchester City and then Chelsea last season. They have the chance to emulate that here. Given their recent record, it would be foolish to doubt them.