We won’t wilt under the pressure, says Wenger
Few could have imagined the wait that would follow the Gunners’ penalty shoot-out victory over Manchester United in the 2005 decider at the Millennium Stadium.
No members of that squad remain as Arsenal prepare to step out in an FA Cup final for the first time since then, with manager Wenger the last remaining bastion.
The Frenchman has come under much scrutiny and pressure during that period due to their lack of silverware, although that long wait for a trophy could come to an end when they take on Hull at Wembley this weekend.
“No matter what the result will be, this club — and this is always most important — can deal with the consequences of any game,” Wenger said.
“What is important is that we come out of the game and have the feeling that we gave absolutely our best, our total energy to play at our best and then you always accept the consequences.
“No matter how much we talk about it, you can win and lose but you want to come out of the game feeling you have done the maximum to win and that is what we want to achieve.”
Wenger rejected the notion that Arsenal have a “mental block” when it comes to winning trophies but conceded nerves almost cost his side at the semi-final juncture.
The Gunners required penalties to overcome second-tier Wigan, whose shock win in last year’s final against Manchester City highlights how costly complacency can be.
“Yes, there were [nerves in the semi-final] because at the time we were at a low level of confidence because we came out of some bad results,” Wenger said.
“We played against a good team. Let’s not forget Wigan went to Man City and beat Man City at Man City.
“So we knew we were super favourites, not at our best and that we played against a team who has made some great results. I don’t believe we need any warning.
“It’s just down to us to perform well on the day of the game. We just want to focus on that.”
Wenger has no qualms about playing Bacary Sagna and Lukasz Fabianski despite their uncertain futures.
The France right-back and Poland goalkeeper are out of contract this summer, having both rejected renewed offers from the north Londoners.
Sagna has been at the Emirates Stadium since 2007 but looks set to leave after the clash with Hull, with the Gunners having reportedly failed to match his wage demands.
That, though, is not of immediate concern to Wenger, who will happily play the France international.
“(In terms of playing him, I have no concerns) at all. I told you many times for me a professional is to give your best until the last day of your contract.
“That’s for me the real professional. I don’t doubt his integrity, his desire to win and his commitment at all.”
Wenger answered in similarly blunt fashion when asked about Fabianski, who appears to have grown tired of playing second fiddle to countryman Wojciech Szczesny and looks likely to depart this summer.
“The answer is exactly the same,” he said. “Honestly, I have always acted like that because it would basically mean the guys are not professional. If they deserves to play, they play.”
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Thomas Vermaelen will be assessed before the match, Arsenal’s first major final since the League Cup of 2011.
Much like this weekend, Wenger’s side approached that game as standout favourites yet Birmingham triumphed 2-1 thanks to a late Obafemi Martins goal, which came after a mix-up between Laurent Koscielny and Szczesny.
“Look, you can always slip or have a lack of communication,” Wenger said, reflecting on that defeat. “You can never guarantee that will never repeat.
“What we want is just to focus on the day of the game on the way we want to play football. Enjoy it and that is the best way to be at our best.
“The players have learned through every season something but I believe just what we want is to finish the season very well. Let’s go for it and enjoy it.”
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