Another massive test is about to take place, in the form of Chelsea, but beating the Old Enemy has done us absolutely no harm at all!
Gomes, King and Dawson were magnificent, and were amply aided by every other player on the night.
The exocet that was débutante Rose's goal got us off to the perfect start and, despite Arsenal's domination of the ball, we snuffed them out where it really mattered and, when it came to the crunch, Gomes was found putting on a brave and classy face.
Our spiritual absence at Wembley three days prior was unfortunate but, personally, I would rather go out to Pompey than lose an F.A. Cup final to Chelsea. I am proud of our F.A. Cup Final record - played nine, lost one - and to be the fall-guys of Chelsea's first-ever Double, should they go on to win the Premiership, would be hard to live down.
4th spot is now what it is all about, and always has been, for me this season, to take us to the next level.
Manchester City stand in our way, and if we can keep up our recent run of victories against them, we are almost on the way to the Champions' League. However, that is a tall order right now to expect us to go there and win, but you never know.
Hopefully, by the time we play them, we will be at least level on points with them, although I am obviously hoping we can be one or two in front. Not impossible, as I am expecting us to get something at both Old Trafford and tomorrow, and certainly to topple Bolton at the Lane. Meanwhile, City have some "toughies" against their neighbours, Arsenal and Villa.
In fact, from here on in, I would say that our run-in, on paper, is no tougher than theirs.
Fingers crossed............!!!
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