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Wenger - Everyone takes FA Cup seriously

Arsene Wenger insists the idea that the FA Cup is no longer taken seriously by the top clubs is “not right”.

The Gunners won a record-breaking 12th trophy last May at they beat Aston Villa at Wembley, and are hoping to win their third in succession this season.

 

 

Arsenal face Watford at Emirates Stadium in Sunday’s quarter-final, and Wenger is keen for his side to maintain their fine record in the competition.

 

“We have always taken the FA Cup seriously and if you look at the record we have over the years, we try to do well. Everyone does,” he said. 

“This story of the FA Cup not being taken seriously is not right - everyone wants to do well. In the [Premier League] we have not done as well because maybe some teams have done better than us in recent years.

“Is it fair or not [to say we are favourites for the FA Cup]? I don’t know. I look at the teams who are still in the competition and you could say the same to three or four as well. We have a chance like everyone else and we want to play as hard as we can to give ourselves a good chance to be successful.

“I haven’t given up on the Premier League at all and I’ve said that many times, nor the Champions League,” he continued. “We have to take care of the next minute and the next minute is an FA Cup game.

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“Is it the best chance to win a trophy? It’s still far away. We must win the next game and prove that we can show consistency again. I don’t believe anyone in my side thinks about Barcelona at the moment, or Everton, they are completely focused on Watford.”