I felt all through the match that we had more in the tank. It was only a matter of time before we’d see it. I also didn’t think we’d have to wait until the last 12 minutes of the match to see it, but we’re nothing if not exciting now, are we? And, I don’t always get that feeling during a match. That quiet confidence that somehow, some way, we’ll find a way to crack the other side. But the way we were playing, even before the introduction of our substitutes, had me feeling that we only needed to wear them down to find a way through. As tough as Hammers played, they just wouldn’t be able to go a full 90 against us. Most teams get knackered near the end, cracks show, and mistakes happen. We’ve made a habit of pouncing on those opportunities.

The lineup wasn’t too surprising, although it was a but stronger than I had expected. With a packed fixture list, Arsène had to rest some of his men, but elected not to rest as many as perhaps many expected. I was pleasantly surprised to see Alex Song though. I thought I had read somewhere that the Portsmouth match was his last before heading off to the ACN. Perhaps I’m confusing him with Eboue, who is already off. Song can’t come back quick enough for me. I think if Denilson is fit, or if Abou Diaby gets put in that role, we should do fine. But Alex now owns that defensive midfield role like no one else. With him away, we may have to make some serious adjustments to maintain our form.

Their goal, a good one, appeared to be partly to blame on a defensive error. Diamanti (what a bitchy little character he is, no?) was played through by that blond chap who was all over the park, and he got enough on it to get through the outstretched mitt of Lukasz Fabianski, who otherwise looked terrific. It was right at the half time whistle too, so a bit deflating to go into the tunnel that way. But when we reemerged, Arsenal were right back in it. The pace was up, although Hammers could smell blood and were making quite a game of it. It got a bit physical at times, and even a bit testy with tempers flaring. But then we did what Hammers couldn’t… and brought on quality from the bench. No offense to the bench warmers for West Ham last night, but none of you are Abou Diaby or Samir Nasri. And, they made the difference. Diaby was on fire from the moment he stepped in as he’s made a habit of late, and Nasri immediately began weaving in and around the area, creating opportunities. It was only a matter of time before one of them struck home, and Aaron Ramsey was the man. At 78′ Song got through to Vela, who stumbled a nice little pass up to Ramsey who needed no touch to turn and left-foot it to the far right. Equal. Then at 83′ Song passed off to Vela on the left who crossed in from the touchline, and Eduardo Da Silva did quite well to rise above Upson and get a beautiful header into the top left. 1-2 to the Arsenal, match over. It looked like the ball may have taken a very slight deflection off Upson as their heads came together, but there’s no denying that it will do a world of good for Eduardo’s continuing improvement as he recovers from injury this season.

So, we’re on to the next round, away to Stoke. That should make a nice match as well, and I’m looking forward to it. With Chelsea drawn at home against Punjab’s Chip Shop XI and Manchester United getting dumped by Leeds, it’s shaping up to be a fairly interesting cup this year.