Disappointing performance ends FA Cup hopes in predictable fashion.

The match was only one minute old when Rory Delap launched a throw in to our six yard box. Sol Campbell and Mikael Silvestre were hugging, Lukasz Fabianski forgot he could use his hands and Ricardo Fuller made it 1-0.

The rest of the match followed a predictable pattern as we strung a few passes together in the centre of the park, Stoke won throw-ins and we defended without any desire. Fabregas was a class above but no one else stood out for positive reasons, Campbell’s performance is only worth commenting on because it was Sol Campbell, he did ok but would get torn apart by a more mobile attack and we knew that already.

Walcott was particularly terrible, he has proven he is a unique talent when is fully fit and has had a run of games but he was definitely the worst player on the pitch at the Britannia and our testing run of forthcoming fixtures is not the best time for him to struggle back to form.

When the team sheets were announced Stoke were strong favourites for the match and perhaps the main surprise was that Fabregas started the game, given his fairly recent return from injury and our next four games in the league. Wenger spoke about the media’s power in setting the agenda and the faux furore surrounding his decision to ‘rest’ players is a perfect example.

The FA Cup is a great competition but winning that alone would not satisfy the manager, the fans or the players. He had to prioritise, particularly given the injury situation this season and the way Stoke played, we would have struggled even with a full strength team. Tony Pulis has the ability to turn the pure game of football into a set piece battle, fair play to him, but it was no surprise to see a half empty stadium watch his team of body builders lumber from one thrown in to the next.

We must not let this defeat affect our momentum. Gallas and Vermaelen return on Wednesday, as does Arshavin who will hopefully be less inclined to try and leave his bobble hat on at Villa Park. Last time we were knocked out of the FA Cup at the fourth round stage we reached the Champions League final. Wenger needs no more justification than that.

Photo: Action Images

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