Arsenal and Hull City’s starting line-ups at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday were proof that managers Arsene Wenger and Steve Bruce’s priorities lie elsewhere.
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While Hull are in a promotion battle, Arsenal are challenging for the Premier League title and are preparing for a midweek visit from Barcelona in the Champions League.
Hull started brightly, but Arsenal, who had won their previous 14 games in the competition, were soon into their stride and had a strong penalty claim turned down by referee Mike Dean in the eighth minute when Mohamed Elneny’s goalbound shot was blocked by the arm of Alex Bruce.
“Another match is not what we wanted but I’m happy to have a replay”.
“We need to be more efficient in the final third and we wont have 70 per cent possession on Tuesday night”.
However, the draw means Arsenal are still in with a chance of becoming the first team to win three consecutive FA Cups since Blackburn Rovers accomplished the feat 130 years ago.
Asked if his side are lacking a killer instinct, Wenger said: “Yes, because when you look back at the games we have played recently, nil-nil at stoke, nil-nil against Southampton, nil-nil today”.
Arsene Wenger admits Barcelona are nearly flawless – but insists it is easier to prepare his Arsenal side for the Catalan giants than it was for Saturday’s FA Cup meeting with Hull.
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Arsenal have suffered from poor results in the opening leg of knockout Champions League ties in recent years, last season losing 3-1 at home to Monaco before being eliminated on away goals following a 2-0 victory in the principality.
“If we have no injuries I think we can cope with it [the replay], but it’s not ideal, of course”, he told BT Sport.
Hull City goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic inspired his side to a 0-0 draw with Arsenal, yet he conceded his finest save was a little fortunate.
The closest Arsenal came to breaking the deadlock was Joel Campbell’s 54th-minute free kick that was tipped against the post by Jakupovic who also made great saves from Theo Walcott and Sanchez.
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“A footballer can play three games in three days if he wants but you can’t play with the energy or intensity that you need to win a Championship game or an FA Cup tie”.
