Those old ties still run strong in Arteta. Amid all the hullabaloo over CAS overturning Man City’s Champions League, it was noticeable Arteta toed a different party line than Klopp or Jose Mourinho. Arteta was far more voluntary in his take, opting to agree with CAS ‘decision and back City, rather than throw scorn at his previous employers the way others did.
For Arsenal, Saturday’s semifinal is a free hit. The supporters will still be angry at losing the north London bragging rights to Tottenham, but an FA Cup final would shine a beacon of hope in yet another transitional season. It’s that old adage of Master vs. Apprentice – will Arteta do an Anakin and knock over his old tutor Obi Wan Guardiola? It’s occ, but little this season has gone to script.
Opportunity knocks for bright young things
Rarely has there been such an exciting crop of young English players coming through and now starting to state their claim for international honors. On Saturday, keep your eyes on Manchester City’s Phil Foden as he embraces the Wembley stage and continues his mission to fill the sizeable shoes left by the departing David Silva. Arsenal will hopefully have 18-year-old winger Bukayo Saka in their starting lineup, fresh off his newly signed contract.
On Sunday, Chelsea could end up fielding England youngsters Tammy Abraham, Reece James, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Mason Mount – Lampard’s approach to give youth a chance is paying dividends at Stamford Bridge. They all offer a transposition of the present and future and, with Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech arriving ahead of next season, will want to state their claim for a starting spot.
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