Just watched Ralph's press conference and even with all the injuries and having most of the Staplewood facilities closed, he is very up-beat and still feels able to have a laugh. I also noticed that he doesn't shy away from dismissing stupid questions such as 'What do you think about Chelsea sacking Lampard" from a numpty called Ian. Ralph has always looked sure footed since he has been here but there's a real solidity about his position these days and he makes some very encouraging comments about the players abilities, attitudes and work rates. Although we are not fielding the strongest team tonight, some of the replacements still have decent match experience and will be hungry enough to fight hard. Arsenal will be strong but if we can maintain a solid defence and midfield we should win this. Danny back on song with a goal. 2-0 Saints
KWP potentially a very big miss. I can't believe that I am writing that we have kept 6 out of 9 home premier league clean sheets (+2 facup) this season. That's as many as the last 2 seasons combined. KWP is the only real relative newcomer but every defender has stepped up and we defend more as a team. This has helped see a big turn around in our home form that we can hopefully continue tonight. COYR
He wasn’t in the best form before his injury, but I’m really glad to see Redmond back. Him and Armstrong as the creatives in the team were so important for us during our great spell at the end of last season.
The one certain thing is, if we repeat that feat the tv and press people will be able to give 1001 reasons why Arsenal failed to score and the only reference to the match from our point of view will be the score. Sunday/Monday papers etc following the cup match talked more about a defeat than a victory.