Peter Hughes
What a shame that many people cannot enjoy such a remarkable victory. Yes it was only Reading but believe it or not we have created history by making the greatest comeback in either domestic cups. It seems it was a no win situation after going four behind. If we had lost 4-2 or 4-3 the knives would still have been out.
The team had the character to come back from 4-0 down and not just to level the game - which would have been a feat on its own - but to win. It could have been so easy for the players’ heads to go down. Despite what has been reported, the team started quite well but once, due to poor marking Reading went one up, the momentum stayed with them. Some of the goals were both bizarre and unfortunate. The own goal by Koscielny and Martinez diverting the ball into his own net were examples. I thought the keeper in particular was unlucky here but I am sure many will disagree with that view.
There were many positives. Gnabry will be terrorizing the opposition in a few years if not sooner. Thomas Eisfeld looked assured, determined and compossed. Giroud has the determination that players such as Bendtner did not possess. When things are not going his way he is still putting himself around. The way he diverted his header into the net was class and hopefully something we will see more of. Walcott showed class finishing and also being in the right place, both of which have looked doubtful in recent years. If only he could realise that potential as I have to admit I have almost given up on him myself several times in the past. There is that niggling feeling that were he to leave he would suddenly peak. For that reason I hope he stays as he continues to show in flashes that on his day he can make the difference to win games. He needs to show consistency and is still young enough to fulfil what we all know he can do.
I am sure on another day with more players to choose from Arshavin and Chamakh would have been withdrawn with the score still 4-1, possibly even Walcott. Arshavin went from appalling to sublime and who knows if a more central role could see him used to more effect and more often. I cannot see him becoming a regular again but his link play, especially for Chamakh's first goal was simple and effective. Even Chamakh seemed more mobile. Both these players could have thrown the towel in at 0-4 but they showed attributes they seemed to previously lack and both contributed to the win.
The best thing of the night was receiving a text from a Chelsea fan which said Reading 4 Youthpolicyintatters 1. How I enjoyed replying to that latter after the fat lady had finally stopped singing.
Man Utd next with probably 11 changes. Giroud might get the nod with Walcott on the bench. As for Van Persie I hope he twists an ankle not badly but enough to go off, but I'm not bitter.
