Lovebitesandeveryfing
Well-Known Member
We won't. And the only way we draw is if we take our eye off the ball. As we did against Forest, the week after we won at the Emirates. I remember how disappointed, and disagreeably surprised, I was by that result. It seemed at the time that we'd put our foot on Arsenal's neck only to take it off, straight away.
I really don't think we will draw, because the configuration of circumstances now is thoroughly different to then. We hadn't actually been playing all that well, even then, if the truth be told, and I will admit I was slightly surprised that we won at the Emirates, and won with something to spare. The team is now playing with a meanness and focus that has really only kicked in in the last six weeks or so. But there has to be tiredness factored in. The Haaland-De Bruyne machine is now actually functioning better than it's done all season (and it was functioning pretty well, has to be said). Can you play Haaland-De Bruyne every single game, therefore? Surely not. It's two games a week, every week no exceptions, until the cup final. That's what it is to be in three different competitions right up to the bitter end. Every footballer in the entire league would kill to be in that position. And to some extent adrenalin, I hope, will do its work. But there has to be some intelligent rotation. Anyone on the bench hasn't been sent to the Outer Hebrides. They're on the bench — and can be brought on at any time. It's all very well to say “Get the game won, then bring them off.” Supposing the game isn't being won? Do you keep players on when their game is somewhat flat, because they're clearly shagged out, until they're totally shagged out?
It's a question of balance, and judgement. That's what Pep gets paid for, and that's why it's his call, and his only. Personally, I will not be reassured if the exact same team that was so brilliant on Wednesday is selected on Sunday.