Arsene Wenger’s claim his side can defeat Manchester United in the upcoming FA Cup match at Old Trafford is not supported by recent history with the Gunners badly struggling against the Red Devils.
In fact the North London side have only won a single match against United in their last 12 attempts.
Arsenal even lost 2-1 at the Emirates to Louis van Gaal’s men earlier in the season despite a dominant display, with Wenger saying today he is determined to get revenge at Old Trafford next month.
“We came out of the first game with some frustration because we had produced a performance and didn’t get a result,” he told the club’s website.
“That can happen in football. But if you produce a performance, nine times out of 10 you will win the game. That’s what we want to reiterate.
“It’s an interesting and exciting draw,” he added. “We are the holders of this cup and we want to do absolutely everything to keep it. At some stage you have [to play the bigger teams].
“Last year we played Liverpool, Everton, Tottenham and that’s what you do to get through. It’s a good opportunity for us that we want to take.”
Wenger is right to point out they overcame tough fixtures to win the FA Cup last season but they were afforded the considerable advantage of playing at home in those games, whereas this time round it is they who will be the away team when they take on United.
To make matters worse for Wenger, United have won their last five encounters against Arsenal at Old Trafford, including the unforgettable 8-2 win in 2011.
To add to that, Van Gaal’s men, even if not playing the best football, are proving a difficult lot to beat with them only losing once in their last 19 games. Wenger and Arsenal certainly have it all to do if they want to retain the FA Cup this season.
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