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Worried Arsene Wenger admits new importance of FA Cup to Arsenal's season
ARSENE WENGER admits the FA Cup has taken on a whole new significance for his wobbling Arsenal side.
With their Premier League campaign crumbling, the Gunners face holders Wigan in the semi-final tomorrow desperate to salvage their season.
In previous years, the cost of moving to the Emirates has meant qualification for the Champions League with its large financial rewards has been of paramount importance. Not any more, says Wenger, whose team are battling to cling on to fourth place in the Premier League.
"The championship was vital for us with survival at the top until now, and for me it was the minimal requirement at the start of the season," he said.
The championship was vital for us with survival at the top until now, and for me it was the minimal requirement at the start of the season
"But don't imagine I sacrifice every day of my life not to win a trophy. Everybody fights for that.
"We will not fight for the championship any more this season so the Cup is the only competition. We all play to win something. Only seven clubs can dream of winning the championship at the start of the season but the FA Cup is a dream open to everybody.
"Last year Wigan won it, this year you have Sheffield United in the semi-finals and that makes the competition special."