According to Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger a win over Manchester United tonight at Old Trafford in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup would be a huge psychological blow in United’s hopes a attaining a top-four finish and Champions League football next season.
Arsene Wenger has not won at Old Trafford since September of 2006, but believes a win tonight could set the tone for the rest of the season.
When talking about tonight’s match Wenger told the Daily Mirror: “It’s a big game, and every big win in a big game has an impact subconsciously in the belief of the team.
“Once you get to the quarter final you think that’s a good opportunity to win a trophy. Winning the FA Cup last season gave us energy. How much, I don’t know.
“But it gave us energy because we had a few years without winning a trophy and on that front it was vital. The change after winning a trophy is more linked with belief.
“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. I think the mentality is very healthy, they want to do well and we will be focused on Monday night.”
There are only two teams that have won more away games in the Premier League than Arsenal, and they are Manchester City and Chelsea, but Wenger knows United are hard to beat at Old Trafford, and also beat the Gunners at the Emirates last November.
The 65-year-old Frenchman is well aware of past results and blames the team’s inconsistency for not being able to compete for the Premiership title this season.
“Look we lost some points in this Premiership that we should never have lost. That is one game that we threw away,” said Wenger.
“In the first half, the game should have been over. Then, the way we conceded the first goal, and the second goal as well – we offered them the game. But we will be ready and focused this time.”
