17th April, 2015
Arsene Wenger has warned his Arsenal stars to heed the lessons of last season’s narrow escape at Wembley when the holders face Reading in the FA Cup semifinals on Saturday.
Wenger’s side head back to Wembley as firm favourites to see off the Championship strugglers and advance to a second successive FA Cup final.
Arsenal have risen to second in the Premier League after reeling off eight consecutive victories, a powerful run that has stretched to 11 wins from 12 games in all competitions.
In contrast, Reading, languishing 18th in the second tier table, are not mathematically certain of avoiding relegation to League One following a miserable run of one win in their last 10 matches.
The Royals have failed to win any of their five matches since beating Bradford in an FA Cup quarterfinal replay.
But Wenger has been scarred by several of Arsenal’s recent encounters with lower league teams and is determined to ensure the Gunners don’t underestimate Steve Clarke’s men.
To drive home the point he recalled last season’s FA Cup semifinal against second tier Wigan, in which Arsenal fell behind and only equalised in the 82nd minute before eventually securing a barely-deserved victory in a penalty shoot-out.
“We know that it (semifinal) is always tricky. We have learnt from Wigan last year,” Wenger said.
“The urgency level will be quite high in our team.
“Reading have many players who have the experience in the Premier League.
“They have a very efficient style, who go a lot for crosses, so for us they can be a danger going forward.”
Wenger has a near full-strength side to choose from this weekend, with England midfielder Jack Wilshere having returned to full fitness.
“Everybody feels that it is difficult to get in the team, all the players have top, top quality,” Wenger said.
“They have to accept it and to respect the decision, that is what you want from the players.”