Just four days after beating arguably the best football team in the world, Arsenal were today held to a disappointing 1-1 draw away at Leyton Orient of League One in a typical FA Cup 'David v Galioth' match.
The Gunner's team was considerably changed from the one that beat Barcelona 2-1 mid-week, however still had the likes of Arshavin, Song, Almunia and Rosicky on the team sheet.
It will be argued that Arsenal pretty much dominated the tie, with the O's stealing a replay right on the death of full time from Jonathan Tehoue who blasted a shot underneath a out of sorts Almunia.
One thing that however cannot be questioned is Russel Slade's side committment and desire to take their Champions League opponents all the way. Another thing that will not be argued about will be the romance that the FA Cup continues to breath.
This result comes just one day after Superb Non-League side Crawley Town took to the field at Old Trafford against giants Manchester United, only to lose the game to a Wes Brown header in the 28th minute, Richard Broadie nearly stole a replay for the visitors as his header looped onto the bar in the 90th minute.
So as the debate roles on whether the FA Cup has lost it's tradition, I think this weekend will prove that maybe there is life left in this romantic competition and maybe the FA will look again at whether the greatest competition in English football really does need shaking up.
Let me know what you think. What did you think of this weekends FA Cup results?
Shame Orient or Crawley couldnt get a win against one of the big boys as it looks as though it will be an all premier league QF line-up!
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