Sheffield United got back into winning ways at the weekend, after four defeats in the league, and whilst the 1-0 win against Rotherham was anything but convincing at least it put the Blades in good spirits before tonight's visit of Arsenal. A ;ate Andy Gray penalty earned United another shot at the reigning Premiership champions, who will be severely depleted for the Bramall Lane replay, and givemefootball's Lawrie Madden caught up with their young star Michael Tonge to talk about the league and, of course, the cup.
Q:IMPORTANT THAT YOU GOT BACK ON TRACK AT THE WEEKEND?
A:Yes. It was a poor game but we would have taken a win no matter how it came. We knew we had to win and some fans probably didn't realise how big a result that was because the cup run has hiden the fact that our league form has not been good.
Q:HAS THE CUP BEEN TO BLAME FOR THAT?
A:It's really strange because in the last couple of seasons, around this time, we have had poor runs. Two seasons ago we were in the top two and then four defeats on the bounce cost us automatic promotion, and thenwe lost out on the play-offs. We know we have to win ourf league games but the West Ham game and then Arsenal were in successive weeks.
Q:NOTHING WRONG WITH YOUR CUP FORM THOUGH?
A:We have been to the semi finals and quarter finals in recent seasons and it's good for the club and raises money at a time when there is not as much money in the game at this level.
Q:WHAT'S IT LIKE PLAYING A TEAM LIKE ARSENAL COMPARED TO YOUR REGULAR LEAGUE OPPONENTS?
A:It's a slightly different game. There's more football played and because they pass the ball around it's not as frantic but when you get to the last third it's difficult to get a chance and you have to be careful because they will punish you on the break. There's not so much physical contact because the Arsenal players are very good technically and they are one of the best clubs, with internationals in all positions. They think quicker in the mind.
Q:WHAT ABOUT TONIGHT'S GAME?
A:They will be without a few players but I expect them to put out their big guns against us. We know how difficult it will be against them. It will be difficult to create chances whereas in the Championship you think there will be another chance coming along. But, as ever, it has been a very good experience and gives you a taste of what it would be like in the top flight and you want more. You go to Highbury and get a result and you say to yourself 'I fancy this every week'.
Q:ARE YOU CONFIDENT?
A:We played Aston Villa at Bramall Lane and it was probably one of our best performances at home, so we need to produce something similar. We are under no illusions and know they have players who can beat two, three men and smash it into the top corner. They have so much pace and they can hit you on the break - especially with us being at home because we are expected to get forward.
Q:WHAT'S THE PLAN AND WHAT'S THE TALK BEEN ABOUT IN TRAINING?
A:We have got to talk about stopping key players. We know that if they play as well as they can and we play as well as we can they will beat us so we have to look at them and come up with a plan and try and stop them playing their football.
