News

Cup hero on Wembley and the final

13/14: Arsenal 1-1 Wigan Athletic - Lukasz Fabianski

Lukasz Fabianski says that Arsenal's Wembley win can be a positive turning point in their season.

The goalkeeper saved two spot-kicks as the Gunners beat Wigan Athletic 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in their FA Cup semi-final on Saturday.

Fabianski was glad to banish his previous memories of Wembley - a defeat to Chelsea five years ago - and he hopes he has done enough to start next month's final against Hull City.

"I do think that Saturday's win could prove pivotal for our season," said Fabianski. "The main thing is that it means we are winning again, which is a very good habit to develop.

"I always hoped that I would eventually get the opportunity to change the bad Wembley memories into good ones"

"Recently we have had a bit of a run which was not great and this hopefully puts an end to it and gets us back on track. So it was probably vital for us.

"I would be disappointed if I did not get to play in the final," he added. "I think that I have done enough during the course of this cup run to merit getting picked to play in the final."

"We were all acutely aware of needing to end the season pursuing a major trophy. But we cannot lose sight of the equally important need of qualifying again for the Champions League by finishing in the top four in the league.

"If we do that first, then we can go into the cup final in a really positive frame of mind. And hopefully enjoy the experience of a Wembley final without forgetting that we must win it."

Fabianski's last visit to Wembley was a forgettable one, Didier Drogba capitalising on the Pole's error to score a late winner for Chelsea in the 2009 FA Cup semi-final.

"I always hoped that I would eventually get the opportunity to change the bad Wembley memories into good ones," said Fabianski. "I never stopped dreaming of something special like this maybe happening.

"It [winning the FA Cup] would be the high point of my Arsenal career. We haven't by any means done it yet, but we have at least given ourselves a great chance of fulfilling one of the objectives we set ourselves."

With thanks to Sport newspaper, Poland

See Full List

Fixtures & Results

Premier League
Ticket Info