After suffering two knockout blows in the space of four days, Arsenal must unscramble their senses quickly for Friday's visit of in-form Liverpool to Highbury in the English premier league.

Amazingly, after a season in which they have yet to lose a match in the premier league and were greedily eyeing the treble, the competition suddenly represents their only remaining hope of silverware this season.

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Manager Arsene Wenger loves to refer to his team's "mental strength" and "spirit" and they will need those qualities like never before against fourth-placed Liverpool if they are to prevent the last few days turning into the week from hell.

Beaten in the FA Cup semi-finals by old foes Manchester United on Saturday, Arsenal suffered an even bigger body blow on Tuesday when Chelsea scored a late winner at Highbury to knock them out of the Champions League.

Despite that, Arsenal remain strong favourites to clinch the English championship. They hold a four-point lead over Chelsea and have played one fixture fewer, so Friday's match is effectively their game in hand.

Arsenal will be trying to restore a seven-point advantage with seven games to go without their top scorer, French striker Thierry Henry, whose hamstring injury picked up against Chelsea will also keep him out of Sunday's trip to Newcastle United.

"It is far from done in the premiership," Wenger said on his club's official website.

"We have a big weekend in front of us now and dealing well with Liverpool on Friday will be vital.

"Of course, it will be difficult to lift the players but they are mentally strong. It will be a big test of our character and mental strength.

"The important thing is to show we are not just about winning when things go well but showing we have the quality and togetherness when things don't go well."

HESKEY OPTIMISTIC

Wenger's no-longer-invincible team could learn from the example of Liverpool.

Gerard Houllier's side have suddenly found their form after being forced to focus on the league and their bid to clinch the fourth Champions League spot following disappointing exits from the FA Cup and UEFA Cup.

Liverpool have won three and drawn one of their last four games in the league, with no goals conceded.

That could spell more trouble for Arsenal on Friday when the memories of Wayne Bridge's stoppage-time stunner for Chelsea on Tuesday will still be horribly fresh in the mind.

Liverpool thumped Blackburn Rovers 4-0 in their last match, with England forward Michael Owen showing he is back on song with two goals.

Fellow striker Emile Heskey is sure Liverpool have a great chance of becoming the first team to beat Arsenal in the league this season.

"It could be a good time to play them," Heskey said on Liverpool's website.

"We'll go down there full of optimism because we know we're playing well at the moment. We had a great win over Blackburn last weekend and there's a real confidence in our camp at the moment."