Arshavin praises Arsenal’s spirit in Reading comeback
ARSENAL forward Andrey Arshavin believes that Tuesday night’s staggering 7-5 Capital One Cup victory over Reading shows that they finally possess the spirit that they have so often been accused of lacking.
Arsene Wenger’s young side has in recent years displayed a worrying propensity to capitulate under pressure – something encapsulated in important matches against Manchester United and in the 2011 Carling Cup final defeat to Birmingham – so to have recovered from 4-0 down showed an encouraging, and at times uncharacteristic, tenacity which Arshavin believes they should be proud of.
“This game was one I will remember always because it was from 4-0 down,” the Russia international said. “I don’t think anyone here believed that we could come back. But we did it and we deserved to win.
“We showed spirit because you cannot come back from 4-0 down if you don’t have spirit.
“I did not think about when we had to equalise, I just felt that if we had the chance and God will help us, we will make a draw.
“He helped us and that’s why we scored in the last minute. I have lost twice 7-1, once I lost 8-3 and once I won 9-3 and now 7-5.”
Arsenal’s victory secured a quarter-final at Valley Parade away to League Two Bradford City, who on Tuesday eliminated Wigan.
GREAT FIGHT BACKS
Tottenham 3-5 Manchester United
The home side took a comfortable three-goal lead before Sir Alex Ferguson’s half-time hairdryer sparked a superb 45-minute recovery.
Fulham 4-1 Juventus
During the second leg of their Europa League tie, Fulham trailed 4-2 on aggregate and needed an unlikely three goals to advance to the quarter-finals. Zoltan Gera (twice) and Clint Dempsey duly delivered to secure an inspiring 5-4 aggregate victory.
Charlton 7-6 Huddersfield
10-man Charlton were 5-1 down with half an hour to play in a match when winger Johnny Summers scored five times – including a six-minute hat-trick – and set up the other two to complete a staggering comeback against Bill Shankly’s team.