‘We prepare like it's a final each time'

Arsene Wenger believes the lack of giantkillings his Arsenal sides have suffered proves how seriously he takes the FA Cup.

The Gunners slipped to only their second defeat to lower-league opposition of Wenger’s 16-year reign when they were beaten on penalties by Bradford City in December.

 The Frenchman admits that defeat has acted as a wake-up call ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup fifth-round clash against Blackburn Rovers.

“In 16 years I don't think we have had [many] upsets against lower-division teams,” Wenger said. “That shows that we take the competition seriously.

“We prepare for the game like a final every time, and that’s why we have done reasonably well until now.

“We had one upset against Bradford, on penalties, but we did take that game seriously. I said that straight away after the match and we analysed what happened at Bradford very deeply.

“They have proven since that they are a team of quality. We will take [Saturday’s] game seriously again, and with a huge desire to win it.”