Ramsey shines but Gunners leave it late

THE last time Arsene Wenger lifted a trophy was the FA Cup in 2005 and realistically the Frenchman knows that with Manchester United now eliminated, the famous old competition has suddenly become his side’s best bet for silverware this term.

But typically – stubbornly some might say – Wenger wishes to view this otherwise: his sights remain on the Premier League or the Champions League, baubles that are worth far more than the ancient jug-eared pot but consequently far harder to obtain.

And already he has a problem. United are out so United can give their full attention to those two competitions, in which they also possess a much better recent track record of course. Although United have the little matter of a Carling Cup semi-final with neighbours City, Wenger believes the list of remaining fixtures has already confirmed his worst fears.