Arsenal Handed Tough Test

Arsenal beat Cardiff in the F.A. Cup to set up a 4th round tie away to Bolton.

Robert Pires scored an early brace as Arsenal secured a safe-ish passage through, although the young Gunners were put under pressure in the second half by a dogged Cardiff side.

Cardiff were epitomised by their supporters who were vocal, robust and cheerful and never lost faith in their team's ability to cause us problems. Cardiff were not too far from causing an upset.

Van Persie and Reyes linked well upfront and in truth it was a bit of an experimental side that did just enough to get through without over exerting themselves.

However in keeping with tradition, there were a few upsets. Nuneaton Borough got a draw against Middlesbrough on Saturday, however the most notable giant killing occurred on Sunday. Non-league Burton Albion drew 0-0 against Man Utd, the second team outside the top divisions to do so in the last two seasons and Leyton Orient beat Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Leicester came from two goals down to beat Tottenham at The Walkers Stadium. Spurs usually unyielding trophy challenge ended for another season.

Arsenal now face Bolton at the Reebok in what has proven somewhat of a stumbling block in recent seasons. However, we beat them in the quarter finals of the cup last season and given the fact it is likely to be a high tempo affair, different from a league game. In the Premiership against big teams Bolton still consider themselves an underdog and are more than content with a 0-0 draw. They keep it tight and anything else is a bonus.

It was a strange game in the corresponding fixture last season, we outplayed them and should have won by more, we are somehow more creative and free in the F.A. Cup, probably because of the attitude of our opponents, the high tempo and the ability to get into a rhythm and build some confidence in the competition.

Whatever happens it will be a tough game.

All in all it was a pretty good weekend of football.

The romance of the F.A. cup is still very much alive.