ARSENAL have achieved some dodgy results in recent weeks, allowing Manchester City to limit that tally to just four points, before the Gunners produced a stellar performance to beat Leeds in a 4-0 win, only to see their nearest rivals drop points against Tottenham.
But they face Chelsea who look hungry again under Liam Rosenior, who has won five of their last six games, and Arsenal know they will have to put in a special performance to prevent the Blues going to Wembley themselves.
He told the Arsenal website: ‘We are one game away from reaching Wembley for the final so we have huge motivation to get the job done tonight.
“We did very well to win the first game at Stamford Bridge and now it’s up to us to make the most of that opportunity here at the Emirates Stadium tonight. The first leg was probably more open than we wanted, and we felt like we could have won by a bigger margin had the match gone.
‘We failed to do that, and we know that, thanks to their quality, the game is always alive. So that’s a warning for us, we know it’s going to be a tough match here again.
‘I thought Zubi did really well with his goal in the first leg and he was brilliant in his first season in England. He has adapted very quickly to the physicality and demands of playing in the Premier League since his arrival.
“Everyone can see his quality on the ball and his goal at Stamford Bridge was another example of that. He is a very intelligent player and I think it is probably easier for those types of players to adapt because they are so smart in their movements and positioning.
“So that helps him a lot; you see his smarts on the field when you watch him play. He is a real, intelligent player.
“So yes, we could have maybe won by more in the first leg, but overall it was a good result. You always have to be satisfied with the victory at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are a strong team, just look at their form lately. Although there is some regret that we didn’t kill the game, we played well in the first leg and it’s positive to go into tonight’s game with a lead. It’s true that we could be in an even better position, but now we’re here at home, in front of our own supporters, so let’s make the most of it.
‘It’s a great feeling to be here at home, 90 minutes away from reaching the final and having the chance to win the trophy. We have to take the positives and lessons learned in the first stage and be ready for this stage. It’s where we want to be. We are used to playing games over two legs, and the way we approach it is to try to win again tonight. That’s the way we go into every game. Especially based on the experience of our last home game in the league – against Manchester United – let’s use that pain and put things right tonight.
“We know what we have to do, we know what we want and winning a trophy is the goal for everyone here. Also personally I would like to go back to Wembley. I played there in the Community Shield a few years ago and you know the team is doing well when you play at Wembley. Finals are what you want to play in: the right to fight for trophies. It’s the same for all of us. It would be so special to be there again and see many of you there with us. That is what we strive for tonight.
‘We need you all behind us again – it’s a cup semi-final at the Emirates Stadium so the atmosphere will be incredible. Let’s get it done together!’
MORE ARSENAL NEWS AND GOSSIP –
Latest: Arsenal in talks with European giants over £150,000-a-week midfielder deal
Most read: Arsenal in talks over potential €135m star deal – Can Gunners seal the deal?
Must Check Out: Mikel Arteta told £65million star would help Arsenal win that Premier League title.
LOVE ARSENAL? CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND GOSSIP
Related
Discover more from IcFootballNews –
Subscribe to receive the latest posts by email.
#Martin #Odegaard #victory #Chelsea