Nothing in football bleeds like a cup draw.
Seeing your team’s name in a hat with their assigned ball number, praying and dreaming of Wembley can save you a team nobody wants to play. It is truly a unique experience.
Here’s your #EmiratesFACup semi-final draw? pic.twitter.com/f53z3pAePn
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) June 28, 2020
Expectations were high for the semi-final draw of this year’s tournament, especially with two of London’s biggest clubs and rivals Manchester, both still in the heat. But social distancing rules, along with some downright bad luck, meant it was a damp squib.
Our first warning sign came when we were told the draw would take place at half-time of Manchester City’s trip to Newcastle. It was a bit unconventional, and so was the 7.29pm start time…
7:29 Is this correct?
— Jblake (@JarreII) June 28, 2020
If they wonder why the cup has lost its magic – drawing the cup at half-time with the semi-final at Wembley as an example.
— Bilko (@wiganrlfans) June 28, 2020
FA Cup semi-final draw at half-time, you’re laughing!
— Upper Beeding FC (@UpperBeedingFC) June 28, 2020
After 15 minutes of build-up, we hoped for some sort of grand affair… and then we remembered that Pandemic was still a thing.
What we got, instead of the usual fanfare, was Alan Shearer.
on the sofa.
by myself
I don’t think I’ve ever looked as lonely as Alan Shearer drawing the FA Cup on his own.
— Landy (@LandyLandy_) June 28, 2020
Alan Shearer’s draw for the FA Cup should be a permanent fixture. Think how full that bag will be for the third round, and how big a table it will need to host all the balls.
— Jonathan Craig (@JonathanSCraig) June 28, 2020
So the FA Cup was drawn – Shearer did it alone for social distancing reasons. Not that Micah Richards would ever come within 2 meters of him when he played.
— Nigel Freelove (@nfreelove) June 28, 2020
And what did we get? The London Derby? A possible Manchester derby?
No, first out of the heat was a repeat of the 2018 final: Manchester United v Chelsea.
Our #EmiratesFACup semi-final opponents have been confirmed! pic.twitter.com/rMgV6aW5lu
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 28, 2020
Oh okay. United fans were pretty confident anyway. Their recent record against the Blues speaks for itself.
Bring on Chelsea!! Already beat them three times this season! ?? #FACup
— Flex (@FlexUTD) June 28, 2020
another one??? #FACup pic.twitter.com/ihMZCkg0TU
— Farouq (@farouq_yahaya) June 28, 2020
What are we calling it, then, Chelsea fans?
“Manchester United vs Chelsea”???
We are Chelsea fans pic.twitter.com/MT7na4EV2h
— Yes Boyfriend (@mayorofaguda) June 28, 2020
pic.twitter.com/YA35XEgzkX
— CFCDaily (@CFCDaily) June 28, 2020
Then, the last time they met was at Wembley…
The last time Chelsea beat Manchester United in a competition?
2018 FA Cup Final at Wembley. pic.twitter.com/VOhxbjwxSI
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 28, 2020
The draw meant Arsenal would face either Newcastle or Manchester City. So then Manchester City.
2-0 Manchester City. If it wasn’t clear yet, it is now. They will face Arsenal in the semi-finals of the FA Cup. Raheem Sterling scored a beautiful goal to double the lead. pic.twitter.com/WNNGjmSNjO
–??? ???? ? (@TheEuropeanLad) June 28, 2020
Looks like Arsenal are going to play Manchester City in the FA semi-finals pic.twitter.com/SIZYkjk2es
– IVAN? (Fynst Stalker) (@Fynst_stalker) June 28, 2020
It’s not one that Gunners fans will be particularly looking forward to, given that they seem allergic to anything from Pep Guardiola’s defending champions.
It was a good run lads pic.twitter.com/TjkY4DBDPY
— Cody Bristow (@CodybBristow) June 28, 2020
Manchester City could play Arsenal in the #FACup semi-finals.
Arsenal fans: pic.twitter.com/EiyRl5qIj4
— Travor Ug ♓?? (@the_travor_guy) June 28, 2020