Arsenal boss braced for Swansea test

Saturday, January 5, 2013
8:10 AM

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger accepts any talk of Wembley would be premature, even if his side progress from what is a tough encounter in south Wales.

The Gunners head to Swansea on Sunday for their FA Cup third-round tie looking to keep alive hopes of delivering a first piece of silverware to the Emirates Stadium.

“It is the first round (we play). You cannot speak about winning a trophy, so for us it is important to show continuity and consistency, and the FA Cup is part of that,” said Wenger.

“To get people to believe more in the team, it is important that we win on Sunday.

“It is an important moment of the season for us, for the team to strengthen the confidence of the team.

“We feel we are on a good run, but how far can we go? To win in the FA Cup will strengthen [our belief].”

Arsenal have produced some form in the Premier League over the past few weeks, their 1-1 draw at Southampton halting a run of four straight wins.

Swansea, though, were the last team to record a victory at Ashburton Grove, when they ran out 2-0 winners on December 1 following a late brace by Spanish striker Michu.

Wenger challenged his side to set the record straight when they travel to Liberty Stadium.

“They had a very good game here. We have to give them a different response on Sunday,” Wenger said.