Monday, 9 March 2015

No Old Trafford concerns - Wenger

Arsene Wenger has backed Arsenal to get a result at Old Trafford, despite his side not having won there since 2006.

Emmanuel Adebayor's goal in September that year gave the Gunners the points at Manchester United that day, but they have suffered some horrendous defeats since -- most notably an 8-2 humiliation in August 2011.

Arsenal travel to United for an FA Cup quarterfinal on Monday and, having achieved an impressive away win against Manchester City in January, Wenger said they had no fears.

"I know we have not won at Old Trafford for a few years, but I don't believe history plays any part in this game," he explained.

"It doesn't matter what shirt they wear, or what stadium they play in, it is down to quality. If I've learnt something in my life it's that the performance on the day decides the outcome of the day, not where you play.

"We won at Manchester City and the fact that we can win away from home is important. If you haven't won away from home all season, it's more difficult. But we know we can do well away."

However, the fact that United have already secured something of a psychological advantage this season appears to have irked Wenger.

Louis van Gaal's first away victory as United manager came when his side won 2-1 at the Emirates in November, a result that still rankles with the Arsenal boss.

"We have lost some points in the Premier League this season that we should never have lost," he added. "The game against United was the biggest one we threw away.

"We were so dominant that the game should have been over in the first half-hour. When you look again at the way we conceded the two goals -- well, we just offered them the game."

While Van Gaal wants his United side to hurt Arsenal's top four ambitions on Monday, Wenger said his players could deliver a psychological blow of their own.

Last season's FA Cup success gave the Gunners their first trophy in nine years, and Wenger believes that restored a winning belief amongst his players.

"It's a big game, and every big win in a big game has an impact subconsciously in the belief of the team," he said. "Once you get to the quarterfinals 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."

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