It was always going to be tough for Coventry City away at the Premier League leaders Arsenal, but it was safe to say they made the club proud in this FA Cup 4th Round tie, despite the 4-0 scoreline.
Over 5,000 Sky Blue fans made the trip to London on a cold Friday night but it was Arsenal who started the first half steaming out of the blocks and took the lead on 15 minutes when Podolski rounded keeper Joe Murphy to put the home side one up. The lead however was almost short lived as Coventry captain Carl Baker almost levelled things up with a terrific effort outside the box after a 50 yard run, only for Fabianski to make a very good save.
Podolski doubled Arsenal's lead on 27 minutes with a close range header to put the game a little out of Coventry's reach. Soon after, the Coventry fans took part in a peaceful protest by holding up signs with the question to the owners of 'Why?' in relation to the ground move to Northampton. The Arsenal fans too applauded the Coventry fans effort in a great display of football unity. This again took place on the 61 minute mark with the sign 'When?' being hold up by thousands of Sky Blues who want answers and want them fast.
Back to the fooball, and Coventry came out in the second half a much improved team. Leon Clark went through on goal but had his shot saved from a difficult angle. Just a few minutes later, that man Clark again came close as he hit the post from an effort just inside the box that was unlucky to miss. Coventry were terrific for most the second half but just couldn't take their chances.
Arsenal killed the game off on 84 minutes when substitute and top scorer Giroud shot into the bottom left hand corner. Cazorla made it 4-0 in the last minute, which was harsh on the Sky Blues who more than matched them in the second half. Leon Clark almost pulled one back but his shot was easily saved in the end. So despite a 4-0 defeat, Coventry can hold their heads up high as they were by no means disgraced by a near full strength Arsenal team in this 4th Round Cup tie.
