Rohit
Established Member
One of the most difficult away fixtures in my opinion. This following a disappointing result at Fratton Park and a change of hands of the lead and this tie now is almost a must win. We didn't lose the title last night nor will we lose it at Goodison but its all about momentum and if we lose any more ground on Man Utd. we could fall apart rather quickly although this team has shown a lot of character and mental strength over the course of this season.
It will be interesting to see how the team reacts to loosing the Premiership lead. Whilst we were at the top, it was easy for the players to be composed and relaxed, to be patient and not get too frustrated if things were not going for us in a particular game, if we conceeded first or if we hadn't scored in the first half or till the hour mark. I guess it will all change now. Going into a game knowing Man Utd. have won will be tougher than what it was yesterday, there will be more pressure. I won't be surprised if the fear of falling further behind causes the players to lose their cool, to get frustrated, to get impatient.
So the onus is on us now and i am glad its this way as i'd love to see a more positive Arsenal. Enough has already been said about the 4-5-1 and the 4-4-2. Whatever formation Wenger decides to use, we need to be more ruthless and gun for goal right away, we need to take the game by the scruff of the neck and as much as i want to avoid the debate here, it is easier whilst playing a 4-4-2.
Everton is a good team and plays some good football they have many players who will cause us a lot of trouble. Yakubu has posed problems for Toure in the past and Andy Johnson's work ethic and intelligent movement always makes him a handful. Its set up very well. I really like Arteta, a very intelligent player and can put in a good ball for Johnson and/or Yakubu. They must be tired but i am certain there won't be any letdown in effort, they'll run hard for 90 minutes, get in our faces and close any space present and close it down fast. We are better equipped to deal with it though this season.
Its about how well we play, a 4-4-2 please Arsène, and i hope we can get after them and silence the crowd early on.