Thunderbastard

Given that the early stages of this blog had something of an FA Cup theme, it seems appropriate to touch upon the conclusion of this season's tournament with the curtain falling on the 2014-15 season. As a neutral, you hope for a competitive match and I was disappointed, with Arsenal controlling the game from start to finish, playing with a much greater intensity against an Aston Villa team who simply didn't show up.

Villa should feel aggrieved that referee John Moss (who has along with most of the other officials in the Premier League has had a terrible season) failed to award them two penalties for fouls on Gabby Agbonlahor and Jack Grealish. It might conceivably have put a much kinder spin on the scoreboard than the 4-0 final score, which didn't flatter the Gunners. By far the highlight was Alexis Sanchez's second goal, a swerving 25 yard strike that confounded Shay Given in the Villa goal and flew into the back of the net. It was what those of us in the know like to call a "thunderbastard".

Manchester United losing to Arsenal in the cup was by far the most painful moment of the season for me. I bloody love the FA Cup. Maybe next year it will finally make it back into United's hands, but I doubt it.

EDIT 25/12: The chances of Manchester United winning a major trophy in the short term future continue to be miniscule. Aston Villa currently lie bottom of the Premier League with one win all season.

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