Arsenal face Aston Villa in the FA Cup final on Saturday and Wenger is prepared to make history by winning the competition for the 12th time.
. Arsenal gear up to face Aston Villa at the Wembley on Saturday, in a match that could help the Gunners create history. Arsene Wenger will be aiming to win the FA Cup final and become the first team to win the trophy a record 12 times in its history. Manchester United have won it 11 times.
“Yes, of course, everybody wants to make history,” said Arsene Wenger. “But let’s not forget we have to be pragmatic as well. On the day you want to play well, so let’s just focus on that.
“There’s a different atmosphere, yes. It’s more positive around the team because we finished the season in a strong way. But still, when you walk out there you know you want to bring the trophy home. We want to keep the trophy in our cabinet. We did it last year, and we want to get it back again.”
Aston Villa have been a dangerous side since Tim Sherwooda s appointment in February. The former Spurs manager has led the side to the FA Cup final and helped them stay in the Premier League finishing just one place above the relegation zone. Wenger is wary of his oppositions and he knows where their strengths lie.
“I believe the final is a 50:50 and then of course you want to win it and take advantage of your strengths. I just think you focus on preparing the team well for the day because a good preparation breeds confidence and from that confidence you are in a good position to win it.”
Aston Villa have done very well in the FA Cup. They managed to beat Liverpool in the semi-final to set up a final with Wengera s side. Under Sherwood, players like Benteke, teenager Jack Grealish and others have been impressive and Wenger is cautious about these players.
“They are dangerous in the air, from set-pieces, from crosses, with Benteke who is absolutely magnificent on set-pieces,” Wenger warned. “They have good quality in midfield as well, where they all played very well against Liverpool.
“Grealish, [Fabien] Delph and [Ashley] Westwood – they also have [Charles] Na Zogbia, players who can make a difference. Overall they are a team who have had a bad spell in the league but, when they need it, they have shown that they have the quality and they have done that against Liverpool.”