Cup competitions in England have lost their charm in recent years thanks to the actions and attitudes of top clubs like Liverpool. However the cup ties this year have brought back a certain nervous excitement that reminds me of days past. Now as the FA Cup Fourth Round draw has concluded my beloved Luton have nothing to lose facing Premier League big boys Chelsea. Anything can happen.
The current pandemic hasn’t helped the lost charm. What would be seen as a money-making tie for many teams outside the bubble of the Premier League no longer has that attraction. Sure, you can still garner money from a TV deal but it doesn’t have the same appeal. However, both cup competitions have been good to Luton this year.
After beating Norwich and Reading in the Carabao Cup they got to face giants Manchester United last September. You never believe you can win these games. However, if the cup charm rubs off and you do then it means weeks of lauding it over those friends and family.
Those who never thought outside of the box when it came time to pick a team. Unlike me. They can’t do the same as they are expected to win, and comfortably.
United forced to bring out the ‘big guns’
United did win but comfortably would not be a word I’d use. Having rotated their squad heavily they hung on to a one-goal lead until bringing on Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and Mason Greenwood. Two goals in the dying minutes killed the game off. Luton, who also rotated players, went out with their heads held high.
Now they get another opportunity in the FA Cup after drawing former Premier League and Champions League winners Chelsea. Again there are several friends and family who chased the money and support Chelsea. So indeed there’s a little bit of extra motivation. That aside it’s a win-win for the Hatters again who shouldn’t overturn a side who spent north of $270 million during the summer, but funnier things have happened.
I’m old enough to remember the FA Cup run in 1993/94 when Luton went all the way to the semi-final before losing to, funnily enough, Chelsea. I’m also old enough to remember losing 5-3 to Liverpool after being 3-1 ahead. Football is a funny old game and if Luton miraculously turns over Chelsea on January 22nd you better believe I’ll be laughing.
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