With three exquisite goals, Arsenal earned a valuable victory today in the two-round delayed match against the Clarets at the Emirates. The home side took revenge from the Carling Cup elimination last year. Even when many teams have earned their spot in the seventh round the Gunners still have a difficult match against Hull's Brown. Not an easy task if we remember the stunning two-one when the northern side visited the Emirates ealrier this season. As if it were enough the Gunners knew the reuslt of the draw with two rounds ahead, in any case semi-winners will face Chelsea.
Now the prospect that seemed too far two weeks away is closer tan ever; securing a Champions League spot. With Villa dropping points the Gunners are just three points behind the northerns and certainly with the recent pace of the Villains they will even drop more points, of course if the north Londoners manage to keep a winning streak or at least a decent run of wins. Even more tough matches lay ahead with rivals Chelsea, Utd and Liverpool all except Chelsea, away. Next Wednesday match has by far the most interesting layout, and the chance for the Gunners to win a quarterfinal spot and maybe some European glory next may at Rome again.
With more news than usual the starting XI featured many changes; Eduardo as captain with the inclussion of Diaby and Gibbs. And from what Burnley brought last time the usual threats came aboard; Eagles, MacDonald and Blake. And it was through the right flank that the first five minutes the insurrection led by Eagles took place. With Burnley fully attacking it only took a few minutes to calm down and the situation went under control for the Gunners at 10th. And through the first twenty five minutes the Gunners enjoyed a strong possession percentage, while the visiting side struggled for defending. Then Carlos Vela talent showed off. As if it were not enoguh for his already outstanding job in the match, a run past a helpless defender, saw the young Mexican scoring past Jensen with his trademark chip, all this at 26'. With Diaby as the strong pole in the midfield Arsenal looked more confident than ever and the prospect of a wider gap was visible on the horizon.
And after a couple of minutes another outstanding play by Eduardo sank Brunley's dreams with one of those rare and few "sliced up" volleys. After a Song cross the Croat did nothing but a brilliant finishing. And with this display Arsenal relaxed and with a few but unsuccesful displays by Blake and company the matter seemed setup. When Vela came out, the main point of discussion was how long was suppossed Diaby to play, since the last two matches have proved to be one of the major drive forces in the squad. With this substitution granted at the 71st mnute, long-absentee Walcott made his comeback with two arrivals and a disallowed assistance. Again Ramsey had the control of the match in his feet; he proved to be full of confidence and his determination set up Arsenal's lead with a late third goal by Eboué, a crossed shot in the left side of the box. All set to Roma's match as the Gunners advanced to FA Cup's sixth round.
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