John Hendrie couldn’t believe his eyes as he watched the events of FA Cup Fourth Round Saturday unfold on TV.
He was stunned and delighted in equal measure as two of his former clubs, Bradford City and Middlesbrough knocked out the Premier League’s top two, Chelsea and Manchester City.
And the Scot is unequivocal when he talks about what Bradford’s 4-2 victory at Stamford Bridge has done for the competition.
“That result gave the kiss of life to the FA Cup,” he says. “The gloss had gone away from it all but it has been kicked back into life.
“Bradford’s win is one of the biggest-ever FA Cup upsets when you consider that the gap at the top of the game keeps getting bigger.
“Chelsea are flying high at the top of the Premier League. They have a ruthless manager and very determined players. So for them to get turned over at home by a League One side was nothing short of incredible.
“Middlesbrough’s win at Manchester City was a surprise, yes, but not on the same scale. They’re on the rise again under Aitor Karanka, and he has turned them into a possession-based side.
“They went to City brimming with confidence. And, if anything, playing a Premier League side suited them as they had a little bit more time on the ball.”
Hendrie will be at Valley Parade today where Sunderland are the visitors, while Arsenal entertain Middlesbrough. The former forward expects two wildly contrasting ties.
“It’ll be blood and thunder at Bradford,” he admits. “There’s a feel-good factor around the club, and they have a very good chance of another scalp.
“The pitch isn’t the best but they play with two big men up front and they’ll play to the conditions. Gus Poyet will have to prepare Sunderland for that.
“This will be a throwback to 20, 30, 40 years ago, when players came off caked in mud, having put in a real shift. The Premier League boys will have to earn anything they get.
“It’s exactly the same scenario for Boro going to Arsenal as it was going to City. It will be total football in fantastic surroundings.
“City took Boro too lightly, so I’m sure Arsene Wenger will instil respect into his players for the opposition. They’re the
holders and will want to get back to Wembley.
“When Boro were in the Premier League and getting to the UEFA Cup Final in 2006, maybe the fans got a bit blase about these big matches. But the excitement is back.
“There’s talk of an FA Cup run getting in the way of promotion. But if you’re playing well, you can’t have too many matches.”
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