Arsenal reach TTF Cup final

Arsenal last night secured their first major final appearance in TFF and with it the chance of manager Ben Clifford lifting the first piece of silverware for the club under his era. Arsenal firstly had to see of a strong QPR side making their own push for glory in division 2 this season. Having rested key players for their league game against Watford, Arsenal had their best team to pick form with stars like Messi, Asensio, Kroos all lining up hoping to get themselves into the history books.

With the team sheets out instantly QPR's chances looked slim to none, some of there first team players sitting out or watch from the bench. Reports coming out the QPR camp that first team players were unhappy not to be given the game time in order to show of there skill and abilities against one of the best teams in the land.

The Game -

Arsenal's intent was clear from the offset, Sterling who joined from West Ham earlier in the season hasn't put a foot wrong since moving to the club and impressed on the biggest stage so far for arsenal. A perfectly timed pass in the 2nd minute making its way to senior pro Iniesta, who in return forced QPR keeper Strakosha into a fine finger tipped save. Alarm bells already for the QPR back 4.

A quarter of a hour into the game and the first goal of the night was scored. B. Mee brining down the on rushing Messi to give away the free kick. Que confusion Messi the player fouled picking the ball up and placing it had be ushered aside by non other then Sterling ! Messi who has been the clubs free kick taker for the whole season looked baffled. Manager Ben Clifford also from the side line posed a confused and puzzled look.

After a minute or so of deliberation saw Sterling step up, lifting the ball over the jumping wall to see the ball dip just in time in front of goal the QPR keeper left with no chance. The stadium went of as the players (Messi included) ran away with Sterling in celebration. Arsenal 1-0.

Two minutes later and history repeated itself, B. Mee of QPR giving the free kick this time on Kroos and this time picking up a yellow card. Manager Ben Clifford wanted some order over the kick this time and instructed Sterling to have another pop. Once again the outcome was the same this time a gap in the wall was exposed Sterling putting his laces through the ball through the gap in the wall seeing his effort hit the back of the net. Arsenal 2-0, the fans in meltdown !

Half time needed to come quickly for QPR before this turned into a bloodbath Arsenal knocking on the door to all but end the game 45 minutes early. Messi perhaps aggrieved at having some lime light taken away form him was playing with swagger and intent, and in the 43rd minute he had his moment curtesy of funnily enough the man upstaging him Sterling. Messi receiving a pass from sterling who had run almost 40 yards with the ball beating half the QPR team made no mistake with a beautifully curled effort from the edge of the 18 yard box. Arsenal 3-0 and marching on to the final.

A frantic game however had other ideas as QPR bagged a goal for themselves just one minute later in the 44th minute - It was to be the games 3rd goal scored from a free kick as QPR man Barella beat Frenchman Lloris with a superb dipping shot almost similar to that of Ronaldo's trademark effort. Arsenal 3-1 QPR, halftime approached fans and player alike took a deep breath.

Second Half -

Unfortunately for fans and the pundits alike the second half never really materialised nor lived up to the first half's crazy pace. QPR came out looking like a beaten team, while Arsenal knew the job was done and had eyes set back onto league action. Sterling was still playing out of his skin setting up Toni Kroos for a shot on goal which was saved.

Young gunner Ainsely Maitland-Niles suffered what we now know to be a broken Metatarsal putting him out of action for 3 weeks according to club doctors. A blow to him as he was getting good game time under Clifford's rotation of sides.

There was however to be a final high in this TFF Cup Semi-final, Sterling again the man making the big plays happen once again another perfect pass in the 82nd minute of play into the path of fringe player Riechedly Bazoer resulted in a wicked left foot shot from the young Dutchman. The net rippled Arsenal 4-1 up and into a Cup Final.

Post Match interview

After the match the media caught up with Arsenal boss Ben Clifford, here are some of his quotes after the game.

"I thought we played excellently, there was questions as to why the first team was rested against Watford on Sunday night with some suggestion that our second team could get the job done against QPR. I should mention that tonight weve rested Azpilicueta, Matic, Ketia and Mbappe. I trust whatever players I pick to go out there and get me results"

On Arsenals stuttering league from - "Maybe I have shifted attention's elsewhere to the cup competition perhaps, what I can tell you is that Arsenal are still top of the tree and have been for more then half of this season. With this cup final and with the Champions League too we will be gunning for some silverware this season. Results will pick back up in the league iv no doubt about that.

The Arsenal boss also took aim at Man United, "Listen id rather be a club involved in finals and still fighting for the league title, over the last two Seasons United haven't even had a sniff of the league and still haven't progressed into any meaningful stage of a cup competition. Last season we lost a Cup Semi-Final (While still fighting for a title we only lost by 5 points) Where were United last season ? If we go bust on the league and cup's I know which set of fans (Arsenal, United) would be the happier"