Revenge! But not for us.

So, that’s what it feels like to get a good old fashioned thumping at Anfield. It doesn’t feel good, that’s for sure. I suppose we deserved it after dealing out so much pain to the Scousers this year. I just hope this hasn’t cost us a place in the Champions League next year.

Although, I suppose it could have been worse. We were spared Crouch’s Robot, right? Apart from a 5th or even 6th goal, or Wenger taking another spill on the side of the pitch, that’s about the only thing that could have made the day more painful. Ah, next year.

Hell in a hailstorm. That’s the most fun I’ve had watching my team lose in a long time. It was as if we were putting on a foul weather clinic on ball control. Gorgeous passing, but… no one to close the deal. We’re really hurting for a striker to thread through that final few yards and put it home. As good as our attacking midfielders are, it’s not enough. And despite keeping and controlling the ball so well, and our defenders stifling their attack for 90 minutes, it was only a matter of time before someone like Andy Johnson would find a hole. It’s been a while since I’ve seen Jens touch the ball so much. I knew that couldn’t be good. Well, at least Liverpool drew and remain a point below us.

Yet another blow to the team… Scans show the damage to his stomach and groin muscles will put him beyond the touchline for at least three months. Rest up and get well soon, Thierry.

Is it me, or does it seem like the whole season just came crashing down around us in the past few weeks? Don’t get me wrong… I’d still be watching my beloved Gunners even were they -20 points deep into the drop zone. Hell, I’d even be in the Emirates for every game if I lived closer. But it just sickens me to see so much go just so horribly wrong for this team all at once. The rash of injuries, the suspensions, etc… it all just piled on at once… just when it seemed like we had some real forward momentum. Hope is not lost though… there are things left to fight for.

Next year’s Champion’s League spot, for one. It would be nice to not only retain 4th place in the Prem, but if our depleted side could push Liverpool down a bit and take at least 3rd, it would be quite an accomplishment. Also, more experience for The Kids. There’s a lot of good football to play this year, but I’m very keyed up about our prospects for next year. If what we’ve seen this year is any indication of what our younger players are capable of, 2007-2008 will be the stuff of legend. Fingers crossed.

Again… heartbreak. I feel so bad for the Gunners after having such a good run up to it. They don’t deserve to go out like this, and certainly not to a team like that. Now we need to focus on the Prem, and getting our side healthy. If we don’t keep or improve our position, we won’t even have a shot at the Champions League next year. Which, would be a real shame, because if this year is any indication (injuries aside), next years side is going to be fantastic. We’ll see…

That one got a little hairy at the end, but 3 points just the same. It’s nice to see some Prem play again. It feels like ages since we’ve seen any. Our absences are showing their weight, despite the win. That match should probably have been 5-0. We were finding holes in their backline every few minutes, but not closing the deal. Walcott could have had a hat trick at least, but didn’t find the nylon. The Beast had to come down pitch and show him how it’s done. Great result though. Go Gunners.