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Coming through the Cup game against Leeds, who beat us twice in the Premiership was a result which, had it gone the other way, could have wrecked our season. The game at Highbury leaves us in a similar situation. We've only taken one point against Arsenal in the League this season and a defeat in the Cup next week leaves us with only the league and Champions League to fight for.
On the other hand, to knock Arsenal out of the Cup would provide just the boost we need to kick-start our season. The draw on Sunday will provide much needed confidence going into the game. We gained a point without showing much adventure and managed to contain the Arsenal pressure for much of the game.
There will be no surprises if the game plan is exactly the same next week. A draw and a return to Anfield would be most welcome to give us the chance to gain revenge for the damaging defeat before Christmas. But who's to say we can't go there and win?
The performance at Leeds last year was similar to how I expect Liverpool to play next week. We contained the threat that put four past us earlier in the season and then snatched the win in the last two minutes through Nick Barmby and Emile Heskey. Lets hope we get a similar result against Arsenal this time round.
We haven't been beaten in the competition since Blackburn's win at Anfield two years ago. Seems a long time ago now.