Arsene Wenger admitted Arsenal are “one of the favourites” to win the FA Cup
ahead of today’s wide open fifth-round draw.
However, the Gunners manager still warned an unfavourable draw could end his
side’s chances of retaining the trophy after a 3-2 victory at Brighton.
Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham are among the 10 Premier League teams
to have already slipped out of the competition, potentially clearing a path for
remaining top-flight sides.
Theo Walcott, Mesut Ozil and Tomas Rosicky ensured Arsenal did not suffer an
upset at Championship side Brighton on Sunday, but Wenger still called for
caution.
“With Saturday’s results you would be a bit cautious (about being
favourites), the cup is the cup and what you want is the focus on the next
round and to go through,” he said.
“We have good experience from last season to know that every round is
different and the most difficult games were not especially the most expected
ones last season.
“So let’s wait for the (fifth round) draw.
“Of course we fight and we want to retain our cup, but it’s too long to go
to say that.
“But we’ll be one of the favourites, because I think Man United might go
through and some of the other Premier League sides will go through.
“We’ll be among these teams but you cannot predict who will win it.”
The fifth round draw will be screened live amid the BBC programme The One
Show, at approximately 7.20pm on Monday.
Wenger will hope Arsenal can avoid Manchester United, who await a replay
against Cambridge United, but beyond that the Gunners must now fancy their
chances.
Chelsea’s 4-2 Stamford Bridge loss to Bradford and Manchester City’s 2-0
home loss to Middlesbrough underscored a Saturday of shocks.
Arsenal were able to avoid the same fate on Sunday, despite Chris O’Grady
and Sam Baldock firing home for Chris Hughton’s men at the Amex Stadium.
Emirates Stadium boss Wenger will hope he can tune into Monday’s FA Cup draw
with the signing of Villarreal defender Gabriel Paulista in the bag.
“It’s on the line and nearly (done),” said Wenger, keen for his side to
retain their focus.
“The results on Saturday were a big subconscious warning for us, it wakes
you up a bit.
“We have good momentum now but we must keep the
urgency level very high; we know how quickly the momentum can die in football
if you drop your quality.”
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