Liverpool are the latest big name to be knocked out of the FA Cup. After a shock 1-0 defeat to Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle, Arsenal will be watching on.

Whilst away on a mid-season warm weather break, the Gunners have seen their Premier League title rivals crash out of the cup. It raises the possibility of a negative psychological impact and a new challenge for Arne Slot.

It is the first real time he will have to overcome disappointment in this way and comes during a strong run that has seen six wins come from the previous eight matches. Ahead of Wednesday's Merseyside derby, Arsenal will have renewed hope that their six-point gap to the top won't extend.

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If it does, in the final meeting with Everton at Goodison Park, sure to play a part on a February evening, then Liverpool may well have to lose three games from their final 14, having only been beaten once in 24 up to now. It doesn't look likely for Arsenal, who would have to be as flawless as it comes along the way.

There are still multiple ways to view this defeat for Liverpool. On one hand, it is a hiccup for Slot and one that will only boost Arsenal. After their own bruising result away to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup, it comes at a good time. A free pick-me-up.

On the other hand, Liverpool rested a lot of key players, and the bulk of those set to play on Wednesday should not be left reeling quite as much as the selected group at Home Park. In fact, it may well prove to be a motivating factor for Liverpool.

That could make them more dangerous in the weeks to come. A wounded animal can be more threatening and Liverpool showed very few signs of letting up after Nottingham Forest went to Anfield and won in September.

The other possible boost for Slot, although he will not admit it, is that the fixture list eases up. Like Arsenal, the Reds have no play-off tie to face this month in Europe and will not be back in action until March. Add in the extra space from being out of the cup - which may as well counterbalance for the Carabao Cup final - and Liverpool will plan to be fresher moving forward.

Ultimately, Arsenal know that Liverpool are likely to come back strong after this setback. Taking it one game at a time is all anybody can do in a season of very little room for optimism right at the summit.