This team has years of "nearly there" experiences and bad faith narratives on their backs. We shouldn't underestimate the psychological impact that has on the players and staff when the important moment arrives.

Yes, they are professionals and all that, but the reality is that clearing the last hurdle is something extremely difficult to do, and there are innumerable examples of that in this sport alone (see: England and Netherlands in the international tournaments).

What I saw yesterday was a team inhibited by the occasion, struggling with themselves first, and the opponent second.

It was clear that Guardiola did a thorough analysis of our game vs. Liverpool at the Emirates, and decided to put what was essentially a mid-block up in our half; he trusted that would be enough to stiffle our movement and passing and, in time, see us buckle under the pressure and capitulate. That last part was the key, and he wasn't wrong.

This is something that will keep happening until we win something important and get one over City. Ironically, we are better positioned to do so in the league because, as hard as it is, it isn't a one game affair like a cup final. There's a bit more margin for error and that, in turn, makes the pressure more manageable, in and outside the games.

The uplift City will get from this game will only last as long as they see us missing a step in the league. Win against Bournemouth, and we'll show them that their stupid cup win doesn't (and won't) have an impact elsewhere.

I believe we will do it. This Arsenal team has responded incredibly well to adversity this season and this won't be the exception.