Interesting and exciting draw, says Wenger

ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger welcomed “an exciting draw” after his side were handed a possible FA Cup quarter-final trip to Manchester United.

The Gunners found out before yesterday’s game with Leyton Orient that an Old Trafford date awaited the winners — still to be determined after substitute Jonathan Tehoue’s late goal earned Orient a replay.

Wenger said: “Somebody told me the draw as we came out before the game started. It is television now which basically dictates these kind of rules but that would not be an excuse for us to draw today.

“Leyton Orient played a great game, but we could not finish them off. It is an interesting and an exciting draw.

“We will do what it takes to go through, but I had a good warning today that the home game against Leyton Orient will be difficult.”

Orient chairman Barry Hearn was simply relieved that the late equaliser left no time for Wenger to turn to substitutes Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Jack Wilshere. “The best thing for us was that it was 1-0,” Hearn said.

“Arsene was not going to put any of his main line on the bench on because he is trying to nick it.

“He was trying to get away with these blokes having a little rest.

“If we equalise after 70 minutes, the floodgates open...he brings on Fabregas and the rest and we are all in trouble.

“He has got a little bit complacent, the old Frenchman, and the other Frenchman (Tehoue) put the boot in.”

Carling Cup finalists Birmingham next meet Bolton, who beat Fulham thanks to Ivan Klasnic’s goal at Craven Cottage yesterday afternoon.

Wanderers boss Owen Coyle said: “We are delighted to be in the quarter-finals. Alex (McLeish, the Blues manager) is a friend of mine and somebody I have a lot of time for.

“He was my manager at Motherwell and he’ll be loving the cup this year because every draw seems to result in a home game for him!

“They are not in the other (Carling Cup) final by accident. Alex will look to do that in the FA Cup. ”It has all the makings of a great quarter-final tie.”

Stoke have a home tie against either West Ham or Burnley and Manchester City or Aston Villa will face Everton, who knocked out holders Chelsea on Saturday, or Reading.

Manchester City came through their fourth-round replay against Notts County 5-0 yesterday to take their place in the draw, and manager Roberto Mancini said: “It was an important win. I think for us it (the FA Cup) is important.”

FA Cup quarter-final draw (ties to be played on March 12 & 13): Stoke v West Ham or Burnley, Man City or Aston Villa v Everton or Reading, Birmingham v Fulham or Bolton, Manchester United v Leyton Orient or Arsenal.