I can only speak for myself, and what I've seen in recent games. If I've given the impression that I think this is going to be a stroll in the park, then that is quite wrong. I'd settle for a 1-0 or a 2-1 right now. In fact, I don't even think a draw would be disastrous (a defeat would be, on the other hand). Granted, this lot are better than the rags, although the rags should not be underestimated. What the team did the other night at OT was huge. Our victory was better than Liverpool's — we didn't need penalties to do it; it wasn't just the speed of the front two players (one in our case). Apart from a twenty minute period towards the end of the second half which irritated me, because we sort of went to sleep, we were head and shoulders (thanks, Joe!) above them. Different class. But strangely enough, perhaps, of the three games we've won, it's the Hull game that convinced me most that we've got our mojo right back, after that poorish period that started with Chelsea in the league and ended, I hope, with Wigan in the cup. Because we showed that bloody minded determination that is the stamp of trophy winners. Of the three games, strangely, it is the Fulham one that I found not quite convincing, despite the scoreline, because from where I was sat in the East Stand, for a large part of the first half it looked to me as though we were playing that slow-motion build-up from the back line (four-yard pass from Joleon to Yaya — four-yard pass from Yaya back to Joleon) that was allowing Fulham to pick up everyone up front, especially Beast, and basically look fairly comfortable. The first penalty was, in my honest opinion, something of a gift, and after the second penalty the floodgates opened, as we knew they would. But against Hull we were fierce everywhere, with Merlin the fiercest of all, and against the rags our one-touch passing game was simply slicing them open for the first twenty minutes, and most of the second half.
At this point in the season, it's more than ever a question of momentum. The gooners are not simply going to roll over on their own turf. Seriously doubt it. But it does look as thought they peaked too early, and that they're losing their momentum. We, on the other hand, after our second wobbly period (beginning of February to beginning of March) seem to have got our second wind at exactly the right time. Second, they have a longish list of injuries, we have nearly everyone back except a certain Argentinian (if we had him back and in form then yes, I think we'd give probably hammer them at this point). As I say, if we win this by one goal, I'll be in heaven. Even with a draw, we'll still on track. That is what I can offer in the way of a balanced assessment. One thing I am absolutely certain of: the lads will be totally up for this, and I am fully confident that they will come haring out of the blocks. Opportunity for Samir to play a blinder, yet again? And for Jovetic to come on at some point and justify his reputation? We'll see. Can't wait for it, myself.
