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John Cross and Tom Canton discuss the benefit of FA Cup replays being scrapped and the benefit to Arsenal but believe even more should be done
Arsenal avoided the possibility of an FA Cup replay against Portsmouth, winning in normal time; however, this was never actually on the cards due to the removal of the replay as decided from the first round of last season. Clubs are feeling the benefits and drawbacks of the decision, but for the Gunners, it is certainly a positive one, with some believing the FA should go even further.
John Cross and Tom Canton sat down on the latest episode of the Seeing Red, unofficial Arsenal podcast, to discuss the win over Portsmouth, amongst other topics. However, the discussion around extra time and FA Cup replays took a front seat for a section of the show.
As did the joy from Canton regarding the chaotic scenes at the end of the Tottenham vs Aston Villa match, which saw Joao Palhinha losing his temper with Ollie Watkins. This would be the catalyst for the debate about whether extra time should be the next to be scrapped after the replays removal set the tone.
“Not a huge fan of all Premier League ties at the third round stage, but even the Tottenham Villa game was a really good watch,” Cross said.
“And it was even better watch after full time with Palhinha’s [antics],” Canton replied.
“Oh wow. What's going on there?” Cross asked.
“Oh my goodness me. It's great. He’s walking diagonally into Palhinha [celebrating] as he does it. And, as an Arsenal fan, I love it. I love that sort of thing," Canton added.
“Just seeing the Spurs players irritated. It's something I enjoy, but at the end of the day, the reaction from Palhinha is almost so exuberant and it's so over the top. Amazing. Great!
“Always when you hear on commentary, it's like, ‘Oh, these are the scenes you don't want to see. It's putting a stain on this great game.' Are you kidding? This is great!”
Cross replied in agreement: “100%. Honestly, it always makes me laugh when it goes to penalties. No one wants to see it settled like this.
“I think you'll find we do! Turned on at 118 minutes [for it]! What's that telling you? It's ridiculous. So honestly, I do feel as if, that's another thing where's the conversation about the FA Cup losing replays.
“Yes, I get it. The frustration for lower teams basically missing out on the cash, and the gap has to be bridged there to support the lower teams, really, because the hope is one day the Premier League clubs will do the right thing and sort this out. But I do feel as if everyone is approaching the Cup with a different mindset to go for it.
“And I actually think it's made the FA Cup much more exciting and even in West Ham QPR. Well, that's, it's all one, isn't it?"
Canton jumps in to say: “I'd get rid of extra time as well!”
Again, in agreement, Cross says: “Yeah. It's an interesting point though. I do feel as if, why not?
“Because Newcastle vs Bournemouth, the last thing Newcastle wanted on Saturday was extra time before their semi-final with Man City on Tuesday. They just don't want it, and the end result was the same."
Canton replies, “Yeah, and now they've removed away goals in the Champions League. I'd remove [extra time] from that as well for two legs after two 90 minutes played, you don't need another 30."
Cross: “No, you're right."
Canton: “I'd go straight to penalties on that as well. But, I agree with replays being removed at the moment because I just think the schedule is a joke.
“How many games are there?. Had replays been reinstated and Arsenal had drawn this game against Portsmouth, they don't have a free midweek until the fourth round of the FA Cup!”
You can watch the whole show on our Seeing Red YouTube channel or listen to the audio wherever you get your podcasts.
English (US) ·