FA Cup Countdown - Quarter Finals Reaction

City Slippage

"Curiouser and curiouser!" cried Alice during her stint in Wonderland. The words of Lewis Carroll's creation are strangely apt to describe the events of the 2013/14 season. Last weekend's surprise FA Cup results added further shocks to the most unpredictable season in recent decades. Bookies across the land are mourning their losses in a campaign which has been fraught with 'cupsets' (one of the ugliest neologisms in circulation).

A once staple prize of the 'Big Four' now isn't so selective about who ultimately gets to kiss and cherish it. Sheffield United, Wigan and Hull are all within two wins of a trophy they were never expected to be in contention for. With historic glory now in sight, each set of fans genuinely believe they can beat a path to glory in the final.

Already, the Blade's guaranteed day out at Wembley will be the first semi-final appearance from a club in the third tier since Wycombe Wanderers in 2001. More history could be made if Arsenal beat Wigan in their half of the draw, giving the victor of the all-Yorkshire clash a definite invitation to European competition next year.

I do not wish to repeat the many 'magic of the cup' clichés but I doubt anyone could have expected Manchester City's humbling on Sunday. For the second year in a row one of the richest clubs in the world was beaten by their lesser Lancastrian foes. Most people can't point to Wigan on a map, yet the town renowned for Rugby League has not let last season's relegation prevent their soccer team from causing a stir.

One team's woe is another's gain and so it was that Arsenal fans jumped for joy after the final whistle at Eastlands. With their strongest rivals knocked out in the last eight perhaps this is the Gunner's year to end their relatively barren run without silverware. Can Arsenal beat Wigan? Yes. Could they overcome Hull or Sheffield United? Absolutely! The trophy is so close to his grasp Arsene Wenger can probably smell its polish through his nostril hairs. His squad's place as champions is there to be lost.

Few excuses could justify Arsenal wasting their best opportunity for a title in nine years. Even with stars like Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere out injured, the Highbury boys have enough quality through their ranks to beat any of the other semi-finalists with either their reserve side or seniors.

But can Uwe Rosler out-fox the fox? The German has already tactically hoodwinked both Ole Gunnar Solksjaer and Manuel Pellegrini during previous rounds. Maybe Wenger will prove sterner opposition. Despite his advancing years, the Professor is still a wily coach, with a poker face and footballing philosophy which often disguises the hidden grit of his teams. Yes, I am sure you forgot about all those red cards in the late nineties too. Patrick Viera's on-field bullying may be a thing of the past but the North London club still has few shrinking violets on its books.

This year, finally, Arsenal have enough depth and aggression to ensure they don't surrender when it matters.