An image of the Manchester City substitutes at one point during their FA Cup semi-final win over Sheffield United simply highlights the huge task facing Arsenal on Wednesday night.
A trip to the Etihad Stadium at any stage during a season is always difficult, but this one is of greater importance given what's at stake. Currently five points clear at the Premier League top of the table, the Gunners know they'll most likely need a victory in order to remain in control of the title race.
However, at this moment in time beating Man City is a lot easier said than done. Pep Guardiola's side are unbeaten across all competitions since losing to Tottenham Hotspur at the beginning of February and have won ten of their last 11 games - which includes victories over Liverpool and Bayern Munich.
READ MORE: How many points Arsenal need to be crowned Premier League champions after Southampton draw
Their latest win came against Championship outfit Sheffield United on Saturday afternoon at Wembley Stadium as a hat-trick from Riyad Mahrez sealed City's place in the FA Cup final and thus kept them on track to win the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup treble this season.
For Guardiola, he was simply delighted to have avoided yet another semi-final defeat in the competition: "It's the fourth time in a row we are here and the last three against Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool we could not do it," the Spaniard told reporters after the game. "Today we performed.
"Like I said in the press conference, this game is coming on the back of Bayern Munich, and we talked about how we have to try again and perform well - and they did really well with all the guys, the ones that came from the bench… everyone was perfect. "I’m happy and really satisfied for all the Club to be after many years in the FA Cup final."
With the games coming thick and fast for City, Guardiola's thoughts will now turn to the visit of Arsenal on Wednesday night as his side look to close the gap to two points at the top of the table. Although, based on the team he selected to face the Blades, it would appear that he had one eye on that fixture before a ball had been kicked at Wembley.
The City starting line-up did not feature regulars such as Ederson, Ruben Dias, John Stones, Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne. Meanwhile, Jack Grealish, Erling Haaland and Ilkay Gundogan were substituted in the second half to save their legs for the massive game at the Etihad.
It's safe to assume that the aforementioned quintet will be drafted back into the line-up against the Gunners and the fact they'll be fresh is perhaps an ominous sign for Mikel Arteta especially as his side have drawn their last three in a row and are looking vulnerable defensively.
And such is the quality at Guardiola's disposal that there's no guarantee that Mahrez will retain his place in the team despite his hat-trick and the fact he gets grumpy when left out.
"Always he's grumpy with me when he doesn't play," the City manager added. "All the time, he makes me notice he’s grumpy. Today, no. He's an exceptional player and his play was exceptional. A biggest stage player who has the mentality to score goals.
"His composure for the penalty was important so we finished the first half 1-0 and the second and third were brilliant. It’s really good to be in the final. I’m so satisfied with Riyad because he loves to play football and he has given many things in these years and hopefully more in the future."
READ NEXT:
Man City star Erling Haaland fires two-word response to Arsenal's draw with Southampton
Latest Arsenal injury news as 4 miss Man City with William Saliba and Granit Xhaka update expected
What Mikel Arteta did to Aaron Ramsdale after error as Arsenal seek Premier League title miracle
Arsenal player ratings vs Southampton as Aaron Ramsdale drops clanger and Fabio Vieira anonymous
Arsenal vs Southampton highlights: Odegaard and Saka goals complete comeback but points are dropped
