ARSENAL – READY FOR WAR

Is this the biggest game of the season? Yes.

Is it the biggest game of the decade? Yes.

Arsenal are back to the big time playing in showdown games against the best teams on the planet. Did we think this was a possibility 5 years ago? No.

So cherish it, even if the whole process has made you spot cry and generally feel disgusting for the last 2 months straight.

The mission is clear, escape with more than a point, put on a very good show.

How do we do that?

With the same starting 11 we’ve been rolling with most of the season. Holding starts, so does Xhaka. It is not the time to discuss whether that’s the right decision because it is the decision, and we have to respect it.

Arteta needs to deliver a master plan like none he has created before.

Every player needs to bring their a-game – no mistakes for 90 minutes.

The team needs to forget about the last 3 games, relax, and play like there was nothing on this game. We need to be fearless. Brave with every decision. This needs to be a flawless afternoon, we’re only getting there if the players feel confident.

We also need some heroes out there. Someone needs to raise a hand and take a moment to deliver something iconic we’ll see in Sky Sports Premier League sizzles for years to come.

Do you want to be Thierry Henry securing victory against Liverpool at home?

Do you want to be Steve Bould floating a pass into the path of Tony Adams against Everton?

Do you want to be remember like Sylvain Wiltord, away at Old Trafford, rounding Barthez for a winner at Old Trafford? My FIRST big away game!

Big moments require big players.

Arsenal has them. They are in form. They are capable of anything because they show no fear.

This needs to be a tremendous occasion, if we’re going out, we have to go out fighting.

If we’re going to win, I do not give a sh*t how it happens, if it’s embarrassing, I will take it shamelessly.

But the key… don’t lose, live to fight another day, hope they falter at the finish.

Today is about history. How the boys want the story to be written is up to them. They are our heroes regardless. Can they be immortalized this season? That’s up to them.

Right, short one from me today.

I’ll be online with Matt Kandela after the game. Bookmark it, come join, let’s be together whatever happens! x