I think its unfair to single Xabi out in a formation where for the first 25 minutes nobody shone. If anything it was Gerrard who couldn't get a grip in the game which is understandable because he isn't used to playing on the left. The consequence of that was Mascher pulled across leaving Xabi in the middle tracking 2-3 on rushing Arsenal midfielders. A lot of people underestimate the simple passes and turns Alonso makes. Alonso spreads the ball well, turns out of space and finds feet with the simple passes. Obviously its easier to remember the failed chips over the top (which granted were annoying). The seasons where Xabi has shone he's been the ball player in the middle with Gerrard on the right. Difference is now his job is to try and pick the ball up, find easy passes, try and control the tempo from the back. That's never going to be easy against a team like Arsenal. I couldn't understand the reluctance by anybody to put a foot in early on? Potentially Gerrard is on a yellow so refrained? We seemed nervy when their players decided to just run straight at us, should have gone in hard in the right areas.