Watching Arsenal blow-it against Monaco was tough viewing for the north London faithful.

But as a West Ham fan I know the feeling all too well with our recent capitulation in the FA Cup at West Brom still horrifyingly fresh in the memory.

It makes you wonder how can a team of professional footballers play so badly?

I played a bit as a younger man and was certainly prone to the odd dodgy 90 minutes.

But that was usually down to the night before, or even breakfast that morning if it had been a particularly hard session.

Presumably the pros don’t have that excuse so it’s infuriating to watch as your team falls apart.

Even worse are those players who are having a shocker – but don’t even look like they are trying.

There were plenty of those at the Emirates on Wednesday night with Alexis Sanchez an honourable exception as he fizzed around at least trying to make something happen.

Arsenal put in a decent effort – for about five minutes – then collapsed in on themselves as Monaco took them to school tactically.

Monaco weren’t superior technically to the Gunners – just better organised and more up for the game.

And for that the manager and players have to take a long hard look in the mirror.

Arsenal host Everton on Sunday – and the 5/1 on the visitors will look a big price if the home side play like that again.

But there’s a safer bet to be had at Anfield where Man City take on Liverpool.

City were humbled by Barcelona in the first half of their Champions League game on Tuesday.

But they picked-up after the break and will find things a lot easier facing Jordan Henderson and Daniel Sturridge than Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

Liverpool have got a few injury problems and will also have a couple of days less to recover from their trip to Turkey where they lost on penalties after extra time to Besiktas.

City must know their Champions League run is all but over so trying to catch Chelsea in the title race is surely a priority.

Paddy Power is offering 7/5 on the away win which is a price well worth taking.

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Running Total for all bets this year to a £10 stake: £-70.00