Arsene Wenger says Arsenal have learned their lessons from last season’s Wembley experiences, and past scares can see them through.
The Arsenal boss leads his side into an FA Cup semi-final for the 10th time on Saturday as the Gunners take on Championship side Reading – in a scenario with close similarities to their 2013-14 contest.
Reading v Arsenal
FA Cup semi-final
5.20pm, Saturday 18 April
Wembley Stadium Connected by EE
Winners receive £900,000
Losers receive £450,000
Live on BBC One
Twelve months ago they took on another team from the second tier, Wigan Athletic, when only a late Per Mertesacker equaliser spared Arsenal's blushes and took the game to extra-time and penalties.
“We have learned from last season,” he told the assembled media at Arsenal’s London Colney training complex.
“We know in a semi-final it’s always tricky. Last year we went to penalties against Wigan.
"We have learned from that and I think the urgency level will be quite high in our team [against Reading].
Arsenal struggled at the semi-final stage in 2014 after Jordi Gomez gave Wigan the lead
“We were a bit apprehensive last year in the semi-final and the final and maybe that experience can help us on Saturday.”
The Gunners go into Saturday’s contest in a rich vein of form.
They have won all eight games since losing 3-1 at home to Monaco in the Champions League in February.
And Wenger says while the run breeds confidence, his side have work to do to maintain standards.
“It’s a luxury to have a good run because it doesn’t question one important thing in our job and that is the confidence of the team,” he added.
“But on the other hand you need to keep the urgency level, the desire and the hunger at a very high level to continue it.
“If you look in Europe there are only eight teams that have won three games on the trot”
Arsene Wenger on Arsenal's form
“If you look in Europe there are only eight teams that have won three games on the trot. That means it’s not easy.
“Everything needs to click at the right moment. The confidence levels and preparation needs to be there at all times.”
The boss also revealed that Wojciech Szczesny, who kept goal in the 2-1 quarter-final victory against Manchester United, will retain his place between the sticks.
However, England winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and club captain Mikel Arteta will miss out as they continue their recoveries from their respective groin and ankle injuries.
There was better news for Jack Wilshere though, as Wenger confirmed he will be in the matchday squad, but said it was too soon to say whether he would be in the starting lineup.
