Arsenal arrested a long decline since Christmas when they went to the San Siro and beat an in-form AC Milan side, and now they want to start a domestic revival when they welcome Watford to the Emirates tomorrow afternoon.
The Hornets have beaten Arsenal twice in their last three visits to the Emirates, but the veteran defender Adrian Mariappa, who has played over 250 games for Watford, thinks that will make little difference tomorrow. “You can’t really go off those sort of things. We are a different team to last year and they are a different outfit as well.
“It will be a tough game, but one we are looking forward to.”
Watford can be feeling a bit of confidence right now, having only lost one of their last five games, including home wins against Chelsea, Everton and West Brom, and have moved well clear of the relegation zone and into the top half of the table. In fact they are only three places and 9 points below Arsenal, so Mariappa’s feeling comfortable ahead of the trip to Arsenal. “It is going to be a tough game and we will go there full of confidence because we got two wins [in a row],” he said.
“We are going to try and get the points on the board again and the manager won’t demand anything less.”
But Arsenal’s confidence must have soared too after our fine win in Italy, and the Gunners shuld get back on track with a big win against our neightbours.
COYG
Sam P