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Wenger - Final-day focus will benefit us

Arsène Wenger
Ars

Arsene Wenger insists the presence of pressure at Sunday’s game will stop Arsenal switching off ahead of the FA Cup final.

The Gunners may need a point against West Bromwich Albion to guarantee third place in the Premier League - and automatic qualification for next season’s Champions League - and Wenger has emphasised how important it is for his side to keep their concentration going into the cup final.

“Every season we have had to focus until the last minute,” the manager said. “So sometimes you would like to play a game where there is no pressure. But finally when you have one, you get bored, so at least we have to keep the concentration and it’s better.

"We are a team that can score goals, we want to finish on a high and secure that third place"

Arsene Wenger

“When you switch off it’s always difficult to switch on again. You always think ‘OK we’ll switch on’, but it’s not like that. When you switch off it is always difficult to switch on again, it’s not like when you switch on a light.”

Arsenal have not scored in three home games but Wenger is confident that his side can break that streak at Emirates Stadium on Sunday to build momentum ahead of the FA Cup final.

“Swansea came here and played four-six, no striker, Sunderland defended very well and in both games the two goalkeepers had exceptional games. I am not especially concerned, let’s just focus on our game.

“What is important is to finish well and to score again. We are a team that can score goals, we want to finish on a high and secure that third place.”

Arsene Wenger