Having played in 11 Emirates FA Cup semi-finals, Arsene Wenger knows exactly what to expect from Sunday’s clash against Manchester City.
The Arsenal manager and his squad are well-versed in the Wembley experience, but that does not dampen any enthusiasm for what the Frenchman expects to be a "great experience".
"We have played a few games there recently," Wenger said. "We know what is awaiting us and we know both dressing rooms because we have been in both and the pitch is much better than it was before. Overall we will not feel lost there.
"We are ambitious because we have done it before and we know we can do it. In the previous semi finals, we were super favourites but in this game it is between two teams who are very close to each other in the Premier League so it is much more level on chances at the start. We know we absolutely have to be at our best to qualify.
"It’s always something special. I remember my first [semi-final], when we played at Villa Park against Wolves. That’s the day when I realised how big the club is, how much it means to our supporters because suddenly the stadium is divided in two for an away game and your fans are all there.
"So it’s a special experience and we are focused and highly motivated. Maybe not at the maximum of our confidence because we had recently some disappointing results, but that is a good opportunity to show we are ready for a fight and how much we want to go to the final."
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