Wednesday was, well an improved performance on Saturday but then and again that's not saying much. I think that may be the title gone with that result. A draw against the weakest United side I've ever seen was a result that I think they'll be pleased with but personally I think it's an opportunity missed. Now it may seem stupid saying that's our chance gone but on current form I can't see us beating Chelsea, City or even Tottenham. There were some positives to take from the match that said, some players picked up after the disaster of a weekend. The defence obviously were much improved and kept a clean sheet they did their job. In the midfield Cazorla and Ozil played well and looked the most dangerous, but it did show why Ozil seems to lacking in form. With no runners getting in behind the defence he has no outlet when he breaks, sure he can lay it off for Giroud but because of his style of play that allows the defence to get back in shape. Giroud missed a couple of guilt edge chances and honestly I think he looks shattered. SZCZ was easily man of the match for his world class slave against that Dutch prick who won't be named, best keeper in the league right now easily.
So a brief break from the league this weekend as we again take on Liverpool this time in the cup. Now that battering will be fresh in the mind and we'll be out to put it right. I've seen people saying going out would be an advantage in the league but at this stage you want to be in every competition you can be. Arsenal Liverpool is a classic cup fixture but I have a feeling this could be a tight game.
The boss has already said there will be wholesale changes mainly to rest players ahead of the clash with Bayern next week. I really hope we'll see Poldi because not only does he have a point to prove but the game was crying out for him the other night and Wenger in his stubborn way refused to bring him on. We're at real risk of losing the man who Arsene described as "the most natural finisher in the club" and if he sought pastures new I wouldn't remotely blame him.
We could see the OX start which would provide an outlet of power and pace going forward and the sort of player that we need right now. Another option is Gnabry who has a chance of being included. Whatever team plays there will be players who have points to prove so I don't think we'll rollover.
Unfortunately Liverpool don't have the same problem because they were so bad last year they didn't even make Europa League. But that said, they've had off days this season and if they have another there is no reason why we can't knock them out fairly comfortably. We beat them earlier in the season and we can do it again at home in front of our fans. The back line need to stay fairly deep and very regimented if you sit high against Liverpool their pace going forward will shred any defence.
When we go forward we need to target Toure in my opinion, not only is he old he seems to be in a rough patch, giving away goals and even scoring in his own net the other net. If we put him under pressure he's bound to make mistakes and put his other defenders under pressure. We also need to stifle Gerrard who's hitting a bit of form, he needs a few hard tackles to let him know we mean business.
From a neutral point of view tomorrows match is probably very interesting, but from our point of view, we need a win. After two tough games without a result and the prospect of the European Champions midweek we need to rebuild momentum and fast. COYG!
