Advertisement
Per Mertesacker: one of the Gunners' players of the year. PA Archive/Press Association Images
Gunners

FA Cup defeat would not be a disaster, says Mertesacker

Arsene Wenger is under pressure to end a nine-year wait for silverware this weekend.

ARSENAL DEFENDER Per Mertesacker insists defeat in next Saturday’s FA Cup final would not constitute a disaster for the club.

Arsene Wenger’s charges are set to go up against Hull City at Wembley, bidding to win their first piece of silverware for nine years.

However, Mertesacker believes brandishing Arsenal as failures should they lose the showpiece would be an overreaction.

“That would be a bit harsh,” Mertesacker says. “It wouldn’t be a disaster, but our expectations are now absolutely to win the cup. I am not here to say that I believe we are going to fail.”

Arsenal had to rely on penalties to come through their semi-final clash with Wigan Athletic last month, and Mertesacker believes that experience could have an impact on next weekend’s clash.

“You also have the pressure that came in the semi-final, and it will come back in the final,” he added. “But I think we have raised our confidence that much in recent weeks that I think we want to make it.

“Now we want to finish the season properly.”

Manchester City overpower West Ham to win Premier League title

Tim Sherwood allows fan to manage Spurs for final five minutes of Villa victory

Your Voice
Readers Comments
4
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.