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DEEP IN MY HEART
Arsenal vs. Middlesbrough, 15th March 2008, The Emirates Stadium, Premier League
James Keen
Passion and fight returned in midweek as Boro succumbed for the second year in a row to a penalty equaliser against Aston Villa at Villa Park, having initially taken the lead.
Last year the exact same thing happened at the Emirates: a 1-0 lead was snatched away by a dubious penalty in the second half.
One thing that I hope we don't replicate from last season is our tally of just one shot in ninety minutes - that being James Morrison's goal.
We are the only side to beat Arsenal this season and so we are the only side with a chance to do the double over a side with no win in three league games.
That would put a bit of a smile on Teesside's face as the Red Army try to make up for their humiliation on 'Black Sunday'.
It'd also be a chance to pull away from the trailing pack, with a number of sides with tricky ties this weekend.
And more importantly, it will keep us above the Mackems and the Geordies for another week.
George Boateng has been showing his captainesque qualities this week - coming out in typical Boateng style and staking his claim for a place in the side without pushing blame away from the whole squad rather than individuals.
One player notable for his silence is current captain Julio Arca. It appears to have hit him hard, especially as he wasn't included in the sixteen against Villa.
Arca is a good player but his performances in recent weeks have not been good and his effectiveness has begun to wane.
We need to pick up on these factors early and, when necessary, take the player out of the firing line before something like Sunday happens. Because then there is a long way back in terms of confidence after such a dismal result.
It will sting with Arca and to be dropped three days later will hurt even more. I hope he comes back stronger and sharper than ever but I think it could be a few games before we see him back to his best.
This should be a game where we can play without worry and fear because, as with other games this season, we aren't expected to win. So why can't we pull off a shock?
Arsenal will be going hell for leather to make sure we don't do the double so if we play a patient, counter-attacking style then you never know!
I believe that Boro need to finally give Afonso Alves a ninety minute run-out. How is he ever going to prove his worth playing bits and bobs? His record looks poor but so far, the most he's managed is a seventy-three minute run out against Sheffield United.
I would also partner him with Jeremie Aliadiere. He will be a man who will be hungry, fit and determined to stick two fingers up at the FA for their treatment of him recently.
And what better way to stick it to the FA than to score against one of the jewels in the Premier League crown, one of the 'Favoured Four'.
Boro have been maligned in the last week. United lost to Pompey, Chelsea and Liverpool lost to Barnsley but Boro are the ones who were "humiliated".
Our defeat was worse and the only way to pick ourselves up is with a run of decent results.
It's been four games since we mustered a win, the last being Sheffield United in extra time. We could do with a win and three points.
Arsenal will be threatening and their win against AC Milan showed their quality. But their draw with Wigan showed their frailty.
At times they can be as lethal as a dose of anthrax in your parmo, at times they can be bullied off the park easier than making the French give up their freedom.
Let's hope that we find the perfect mix again at the weekend, just like we did at the Riverside.
Our recent poor form has put us in a difficult position as we now have to get points in our coming games with Arsenal, Chelsea an Manchester United to make sure we stay out of the relegation battle.
If we don't pick up points and simply rely on getting the three at home to Derby, then we will be well in the mire by April.
It's time to put this relegation rubbish to one side and pull ourselves out of it for good.
Two wins from our next three games will do that and that means beating one of the "Big Four".
On previous form, I believe we can do it.
We have to do it.
C'mon Boro!
The Outcome: My heart predicts a 1-1 draw but head is calling a 2-0 defeat.
Last Season: Arsenal 1-1 Middlesbrough, Morrison 22, Henry 67 (pen) (9/9/06)
Boro Form (most recent result first): DLLWLD
Arsenal Form: DWDDDL
Probable Teams:
Boro: Schwarzer, Young, Pogatetz, Wheater, Huth, O'Neil, Shawky, Boateng, Downing, Aliadiere, Alves
Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Clichy, Toure, Gallas, Fabregas, Flamini, Hleb, Gilberto, Van Persie, Adebayor
Man to Watch: Cesc Fabregas
RETURN TO DEEP IN MY HEART INDEX HERE
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