It is not often that, having been beaten in disappointing circumstances, you get an immediate chance to make amends against the very team that caused you so much misery.
That is the opportunity that presents itself on Thursday night - and while no one would equate a win with lifting the Carabao Cup, it would be certainly be a starting point on the road to recovery.
For if we are to claim a top-four place - and let's be honest, it is a long shot now - we have to win against Manchester City, and follow it up with a streak of further victories. Tough, unlikely even, but not impossible.
Of course, we know all about Manchester City's many strengths, but how do we ensure that this match is different to Sunday's? Find out in our comprehensive pre-match briefing. We’ve got classic goals against Man City, team news, an exclusive chat with the manager, match facts, graphics and a chance to have your say.
A TIME TO STICK TOGETHER
Wenger on raising morale again...
“First of all, no matter how much you try to lift the players, they need time for grieving. You need to digest that and only time helps. The next target helps again. The DNA and the values of the club help because that’s where you want to stick together. What you want at our level is to be confronted with difficult situations and respond to it in a positive way."
Arsène Wenger on facing Manchester City soon after the Carabao Cup final
TEAM NEWS
Arsenal: Cazorla (calf), Monreal (back), Lacazette (knee)
Man City: Fernandinho (hamstring - doubt), Sterling (hamstring - doubt), Mendy (knee)
THE OPPOSITION
Michael Cox:
"City’s possession play this season, combined with their movement in the final third, has often been thrilling. In truth, their football at Wembley never quite reached their usual heights, and Arsenal must be particularly wary of De Bruyne collecting the ball in deeper positions, before arrowing diagonal passes in behind the defence for Leroy Sane, charging infield from the left."
THE LAST WORD
Wenger on playing Man City twice in four days...
"I personally experience it as a positive because we want to respond as quickly as possible. We have another big game, another challenge, and of course we want to respond in a very positive way."
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