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Having not captured any silverware since 2020, a Community Shield aside, Arsenal supporters are desperately craving any trophies they can get. However, it is getting to the stage where one is wondering how many Mikel Arteta will get his hands on, rather than if trophies will come. Having reached the last eight, history suggests that the Gunners will go all the way in the FA Cup.
On Saturday lunchtime, Arteta's team ousted Mansfield Town from the competition, made to work hard for a 2-1 victory at Field Mill. Strikes from outside the area by Noni Madueke and then Eberechi Eze were enough to oust the EFL League One outfit.
Thus, following wins over Portsmouth and Wigan, Arsenal are through to the quarter-finals for the first time since winning this competition in 2020, where they will face Southampton. Well, history suggests, when they get this far, they tend to be triumphant.
Seasons Arsenal have reached FA Cup quarter-finals (2002-present)
Year | Quarter-final result | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
2020 | Sheffield United 1-2 AFC | Winners |
2017 | AFC 5-0 Lincoln City | Winners |
2016 | AFC 1-2 Watford | Quarter-finalists |
2015 | Manchester United 1-2 AFC | Winners |
2014 | AFC 4-1 Everton | Winners |
2011 | Manchester United 2-0 AFC | Quarter-finalists |
2009 | AFC 2-1 Hull City | Semi-finalists |
2005 | Bolton Wanderers 0-1 AFC | Winners |
2004 | Portsmouth 1-5 AFC | Semi-finalists |
2003 | Chelsea 1-3 AFC (replay) | Winners |
2002 | AFC 3-0 Newcastle (replay) | Winners |
Since 2002, this season is the 12th time Arsenal have reached the FA Cup sixth round. Amazingly, on seven of the previous 11 occasions, the Gunners have gone on to lift the trophy, including in both of the last two campaigns, as well as four of the previous five.
They have only fallen at the quarter-final stage twice since 1988, beaten by Manchester United in 2011 and Watford five years later. So, with the Carabao Cup Final coming up in under a fortnight, could another Wembley date be on the cards?
The next round of the FA Cup takes place on Easter weekend, 4 and 5 April, which would be just a few days before a Champions League quarter-final first leg against either Sporting CP or Bodø/Glimt on the road, assuming they take care of Bayer Leverkusen. Arteta's team have at least 12 fixtures still to play this season, but that figure could increase to 19, given that they're fighting on all four fronts.
Thus, the FA Cup could well be the competition that falls by the wayside, considering the Champions League draw has really opened up that competition, as well as the desperation to end the wait for a Premier League title. Nevertheless, another favourable draw, so who knows how far they'll go?