Arsenala s Arsene Wenger said that it did not matter where you were playing but the performance on the day that was more important.
Speaking ahead of the FA Cup against Manchester United at Old Trafford, Arsene said, a If I have learnt something in my life it is that the performance on the day decides the outcome of the day, not where you play.a
a When the team is not as good, they lose, it doesna t matter what shirt they wear, or what stadium they play in a it is down to quality.a
Arsenal have not had a good history in the last decade in their travels to Old Trafford. In the last 10 games at Manchester, the gunners have drawn 1 game and lost 9, a record that pains every Arsenal fan. Those defeats included some humiliating scorelines too, most notably the 8-2 defeat not so long ago.
Arsenal fans would be hoping that history does not repeat itself Monday night, as they bid to retain the trophy that ended their long drought of silverware. However, it is going to be a tough ask, especially as it is the only realistic chance for a trophy for both teams, who also find themselves in the battle for Top 4.
Arsene also touched on the FA Cup final win last season, when they came from two goals behind to win the game in extra time against Hull City at Wembley.
Arsene said, a It gave us energy because we had a few years without winning a trophy and on that front it was vital.a
However, Arsene is aware that last seasona s feel-good factor wona t mean much in tomorrowa s game, admitting that it would be a massive game Monday night.
He said, a Monday night is a big game, and every big win in a big game has an impact subconsciously in the belief of the team.
a This team has a good mentality because we had a slow start this season and every time when we lose a big game, you see how much the players are touched.
a I think the mentality is very healthy, they want to do well and we will be focused on Monday night.a
For the gunners fans, they would be hoping that the healthy mentality would be converted into a memorable win against the old enemy. But with the team not convincing enough against lower teams like Crystal Palace and Leicester City, there is always going to be a bit of trepidation. They would hope that the team that turns up for this fixture would be the same team that convincingly defeated Manchester City in their own backyard.