ARSENAL must be in a state of shock after the last week when they lost to Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final and then lost to Chelsea in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. And now their star striker Henry is hurt and will not play over the Easter weekend. They could be in real trouble. Who would have thought that Arsenal would have been in this position a week ago when they were gunning for the Treble?

It has been a terrible week for Arsenal but the players have to pick themselves back up and and come out against Liverpool on Friday and say to themselves 'let's win the league'.

It was a hard-fought affair against United last weekend in the FA Cup semifinal with Scholes scoring the only goal. And although they started lively in the Champions League quarter final against Chelsea, the Blues came out with a 2-1 victory after the first leg at Stamford Bridge was a 1-1 draw. This past week has simply been a disaster for Arsenal and if they do not watch out they can finish the season with absolutely nothing. It would be a worse disaster than last season when they were leading the league but slipped up and let Manchester United bag the Premiership.

Now the players have to get the last two matches out of their heads and get back to their winning ways this weekend. First off they face Liverpool at home on Good Friday. Liverpool may have struggled a bit this season but they are fighting with Newcastle for that fourth place Champions League spot and will desperately want to win this game. And it seems that they are starting to play really well now ? especially their England striker Michael Owen. Last weekend Liverpool scored a 4-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers with Owen scoring two goals. If Owen is back to his best Arsenal will have to fight hard for the three points.

Then two days later on Easter Sunday, Arsenal have to travel to Newcastle and again they will be up against it. Newcastle are tough at home and last weekend they put four goals past Everton in their 4-2 victory with both Craig Bellamy and Alan Shearer both getting on the scoresheet.

Meanwhile Chelsea, who are second in the Premiership to leaders Arsenal, take on Middlesbrough at home on Saturday. Chelsea are only four points behind Arsenal but Arsenal have a game in hand. But if Arsenal slip up don't be surprised to see Chelsea come in fast as their confidence must have received a tremendous boost with their win at Highbury on Tuesday night.

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It was not only Arsenal who felt the hard blows of the Champions League this week. Real Madrid were knocked out by Monaco who scored a 3-1 victory at home. Although Real won the first match 4-2 I knew Monaco had a chance with those two important away goals. And the French side didn't slip up. I know that many people do not follow or watch French league football, but a French team is hard to beat at their own ground as Real Madrid found out. And Monaco have been playing some excellent soccer this season in the league. They have been guided very well by their manager, the great French player and former captain Didier Deschamps.

I know that for one Monaco player the victory over Real must have been especially sweet. And that player is the Spanish national team striker Fernando Morientes who was on loan to Monaco from Real. Since the great Brazilian Ronaldo came to Real Madrid Morientes was often sitting on the bench and players like Morientes hate sitting on the bench. Now he is back to playing regularly and he is winning. Power to him is what I say. He is my kind of player.

It must have been a blow for a team like Real but, like Arsenal, they are going to have to get over it quickly before their league match this weekend as Valencia are only one point behind them in the table.

I think by next season you will see Real Madrid sign a couple of top defenders. You can always score on Real Madrid ? it is just that they have so many good attacking players that they can usually score more than you. As it was, it was the away goals rule which undid their plans of winning another Champions League title.

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Last weekend 14-year-old Freddy Adu made his professional debut for DC United against San Jose which DC United won 2-1. I find it absolutely remarkable than someone who is only 14 is playing professionally. And good luck to him. He is obviously so special and I have heard him being interviewed and he incredibly mature for his age. Obviously his mom has done a great job with him and hopefully she will continue. Adu could be the second coming of Pele ? who knows? Hopefully he concentrates on his game and will not be led astray and stay injury free. It is exciting that a player that young can play with grown professional men. It is amazing!