Ox relishes a gander at the chaos
MANY of Arsenal’s players had never experienced anything like the chaotic scenes at Sutton on Monday night. But Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had – and he loved it.
Arsenal’s players had a squad of bodyguards protecting them as they entered and left Sutton’s Gander Green Lane home, with fans swarming all over the pitch before and after a frantic FA Cup tie. At one stage a plastic bottle was thrown at boss Arsene Wenger.
The Gunners won 2-0 but were given a major scare by the National League side. OxladeChamberlain came on as a second-half sub and lifted Arsenal’s performance in his new central midfield role.
That was despite a bizarre attempt at intimidation from Sutton skipper Jamie Collins, who lunged head-first towards him as the Arsenal man cruised down the wing.
Oxlade-Chamberlain said: “I grew up in League One, I’m used to these places. That was one of the most exciting times I’ve had this season – coming off the bus, both sets of supporters in close proximity. It was a really good experience, I really enjoyed it.
“Being on the bench first half, looking around, seeing all the fans and to have a few moments at the end with the Sutton players in the dressing room is what the cup is all about.
“The win was the crucial thing, but the night was something I don’t think certain players have seen in England.
“I don’t think Alexis Sanchez has experienced a game like that, in a place like this.”
Arsenal face this season’s other FA Cup giantkillers, National League side Lincoln City, who beat Burnley on Saturday, at home in the last eight.
Oxlade-Chamberlain said: “Lincoln will be up for it after what they did at Burnley so we will have to go into it with very focused
minds.”