Arsene Wenger believes that the strength of Arsenal’s bench could make the difference in Saturday’s FA Cup final.
In last year’s clash with Hull City at Wembley, Tomas Rosicky and Jack Wilshere came on in extra-time and played a big role as the Gunners lifted the trophy.
Wenger is close to deciding on his starting XI against Aston Villa, but he insists that the whole squad will be crucial.
"Most of the time the heroes are the people who come on in an FA Cup final - they make the difference"
Arsene Wenger
“I don’t know who will start yet and it’s not important because it’s just [about what happens] on the day in the FA Cup final,” the manager said. “What is important is that you bring the trophy back.
“I just think it is important to focus as a whole squad on winning the trophy. Most of the time the heroes are the people who come on in an FA Cup final - they make the difference.
“That’s why it is important as a reward for the whole team who have fought very hard the whole season to get there. Let’s deal with it as a whole squad.”
Theo Walcott’s hat-trick against West Bromwich Albion has put him in the frame for a starting spot on Saturday, but Wenger remains tight-lipped on his team.
“He has shown that he is back in good form but that’s normal. I said that before last week’s game,” he said. “What is important is that we do not make too many individual cases before the cup final. It’s the whole team who can win it.”
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