It is fair to say that in games against a big Premier League rival, a draw and a point is not too bad a result and that has certainly been true for Arsenal in recent seasons, as we struggled to avoid heavy defeats and began to have a terrible record and even a bit of a mental stumbling block when coming up against the likes of Chelsea or Man United.
However, the clash between the Gunners and Liverpool tonight is starting to take on the feeling of a must win for us, and that was only made more clear yesterday as the league leaders Man City overcome a determined Everton to make it three wins out of three, including one over Chelsea. It had looked as though the Toffees might just hold them to a draw or even better but it was not to be and their form looks ominous.
Arsenal simply cannot afford to let them get too far ahead and so the onus is on us to win the game tonight, while Liverpool already have six points and will be delighted with a draw. This might well play into the hands of Brendan Rodgers but if we are to have a realistic chance of lifting the Premier League trophy, this is no time for faint hearts and hedging our bets.
What do you think Gooners, does Wenger need to send his players out with a free rein?