Sunday’s match in the FA Cup fifth round against Liverpool is one of the toughest tests the Gunners will face so far this season, and will go a long way in predicting how their season will end up.
Despite having to face Bayern Munich midweek in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 knockout stage match Arsenal manager is almost forced to play players that he might have rested if it had not been for last Saturdays massive loss at Anfield that saw Gunners fans leaving the ground early after being disgusted by their clubs performance with one diehard fan suggesting while being interviewed that the players donate their wages to charity.
The players too will feel as if they have let their fans down and will be under added pressure to get a result.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers brings his team to the Emirates feeling no pressure after two wins in a row, but says Arsenal will not be thinking about Bayern Munich but looking to beat Liverpool and avenge the loss on Merseyside.
“It is never easy when you get exposed like that but that was more down to our brilliance on the day because the players were outstanding,” he said of last weekend’s match.
“If you come up against that normally it doesn’t happen again for a while and you have time to get over it and build your confidence again.
“Coming across us so quickly afterwards will be interesting to see the effect.
“They have some outstanding players and they will be keen and motivated and players at this level are very competitive and they want to be able to show they have put that past them.
“They will see it as an opportunity to build confidence again, playing at home.
“But if we can show anywhere near the level of the league game then we are in with a great chance of winning.”
Arsenal fans have been waiting so long to have a winning season that brings in silverware but should they be knocked out of the FA Cup on Sunday in a match that was close they will be able to handle it knowing they are still in the Champions league and title chase, but should Liverpool play like they did at Anfield and win big it could spell disaster for the rest of the Gunners season.
