Wednesday's game at the Emirates has become a crucial point for Arsenal and Liverpool, a pivotal stage that could help define the season for either teams as they set out to capture "catch-up" points. With a single point from nine against the top four, Arsenal's prospect for the title is amounting to a mere mathematical possibility with a nine point gap standing between them and the leaders, Chelsea that may widen by tomorrow. A fews weeks ago, the excitement was centered around how well the Gunners have closed the gap since November. So what happened? It is the unfair feature list that put Manchester United and Chelsea back to back? Unlikely. They dropped points against Aston Villa as well!

We may call him the "Prof", but I think right now Wenger is getting it wrong. Arsenal presently lacks the ability to amange their deficiencies. Yes, they have good players like Van Pierse and Eduardo on the injury list, it is increasingly becoming difficult to excuse obvious tactical defects in arsenal's play. They move the ball well, but often to nowhere. Against Chelsea, in a span of 5 to 10 minutes, they had 71% of ball possession and the blues were undented. With players like Ashervin and Fabrecas, a central striker like Bendner should be part of an initial game plan when playing the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea. His physical presence is sure to unsettle the defense, leaving a couple of loose balls for the attacking mid-fielders to feed on. And these player are obviously more confortable striking the ball from well outside the 6-yard box rather than within it.

On sunday against Chelsea, Ashervin was like a miserable dwarf in the land of giants. The contrast was so glaring. The contest could have gone on for ages and the outcome would have remained thesame. Against Liverpool, Wenger's ability to read situations and adapt would surely be tested. Any lame approach upfront, again, against a physically tuned Liverpool should merit an inquest into Arsenal's strategy.

Prediction: Arsenal 2 Liverpool 1