FA Cup: it’s time to nail the third round

I’m well aware that for many, the FA Cup is little more than another hurdle on the route to greater glories. But that argument doesn’t hold water with me. Here’s why:

• What greater glories? Lest I remind everyone, we’ve struggled for greater glories since 2004. Turning your nose up at the magic of the cup (there, I said it – it’s mandatory) is a fool’s game. You can’t pick and choose what you win. I know we have lots of games to play and have our fingers in lots of pies. But being Arsenal, we should have that and we have the squad to cope.
• It’s the best cup format left. Since 1992, each and every European competition has incrementally lost its nerve and added a group stage first. We all know why: it’s to guarantee income, appease the big clubs who want more and more money, and to lessen the chance of a major early upset. The result is a league format that is (in its newest guise) sometimes exciting but often lacks jeopardy. Knockout competitions are fantastic for giving bloody noses. Just ask Wrexham and Macclesfield fans.
• We’re in the FA Cup doldrums. Most ever FA Cups won, four-times winners in seven years, then along comes 2021. And 2022. And 2023, 2024 and 2025. We’ve had a five-year shocker, never getting past the fourth round, and that makes me just want it more. 
• Variety is the spice of life. You get to play teams you don’t often play, at grounds you don’t often go to. Unless you get drawn against City, Liverpool and Utd three years running. Who controls these magic balls?
• Cup finals are amazing. If you’re lucky enough to get there then the build-up, the whole day – it stays with you forever. Although I acknowledge that it helps when you haven’t lost one since 2001.

So there you go, my paean to the FA Cup, all of which guarantees a humbling at Portsmouth today. I think I would still love it anyway. Though give me a few days.