Real Kod’s wallop as Owls bid takes a hit
good, with even Alexis Sanchez looking to be on his side. But it was hard work.
Wenger went into the game admitting in his programme notes that he was under pressure.
And skipper Per Mertesacker claimed the players were “hurting”. He said: “We as players have failed….and we feel to you (the fans) we really feel responsible of doing better. We need to change our mindset and improve.” Words are fine – but actions speak louder. The job was certainly done yesterday but it was a long, hard journey. There will sterner tests ahead than a non-league side – albeit one on top of the National League and who had beaten Premier League Burnley in the previous round.
The majority of fans stayed silent, waiting to see if a corner had been turned.
Pundit Mark Lawrenson had claimed that perhaps it was time for a friend to throw an arm around Wenger’s shoulders and tell him it might be time to go.
Arsenal have won the FA Cup 12 times, with Wenger (right) supplying six of those – two of them in the last three years.
And the Frenchman sent out a side yesterday that would frighten most of their Premier League rivals, let alone the humble Imps.
Before the game they flashed up shots on The Emirates’ big screens of their greatest triumphs. The PR machine was on full blast. However, it is what happens on the pitch that matters, not past glories.
Lincoln made them fight but tired legs finally gave in. To Lincoln went the honours. Arsenal fans have more worrying times ahead. So has Wenger. JONATHAN KODJIA’S double put a dent in Sheffield Wednesday’s play-off hopes.
The Aston Villa striker scored in each half as the Owls played most of the second period with 10 men after Vincent Sasso was sent off for a heavy tackle on Conor Hourihane.
Wednesday boss Carlos Carvalhal was also sent to the stands for protesting the decision – and his side have now won just once in their last five games.
He said: “I will not talk about the referee’s decisions but the red card made an impact.
“We started very well and had two or three chances. We tried to score on the break in the second half but the red card made it harder.”
Wednesday’s Sam Winnall missed a great chance to open the scoring when he fired wide and he also had a shot blocked by Sam Johnstone.
Villa were operating with Kodjia as a lone striker and their first serious goal attempt came from a Hourihane free-kick which Mile Jedinak headed wide.
Winnall and Jordan Rhodes were a constant danger to the home defence and Rhodes had an effort ruled out after a goalmouth scramble.
But it was Villa who went ahead against the run of play in the 35th minute, with Kodjia’s 14th of the season.
Hourihane produced a perfect cross to the far post and Kodjia headed home.
Ross Wallace had a chance to bring Wednesday level straight away but blasted his effort wide.
And two minutes into the second half Sasso got his marching orders.
Villa should have made the game safe but Alan Hutton screwed his shot wide.
Kodjia made sure of the points, though, running through in the 79th minute to slip the ball past Owls keeper Keiren Westwood.
Villa boss Steve Bruce said: “We have to be better with the ball but we’ve turned a horrible run into a decent situation now.
“We’d be in serious trouble without Jonathan’s goals.
“We’ve created wonderful chances to kill the game off and missed them.”