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Wigan v Arsenal: 'It is not about next season, it is about this season,' Arsene Wenger calls on strong finish to Arsenal's faltering campaign

Gunner face Wigan in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday

Thursday 10 April 2014 11:53 BST

Arsene Wenger takes training with Arsenal

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had called for focus on a strong finish to the current campaign ahead of Saturday's FA Cup semi-final against Wigan rather than worry about what the future may hold.

Midfielder Santi Cazorla spoke of his desire to win trophies with the Gunners in an interview with Abu Dhabi based website www.Sport360.com - and indicated he might consider leaving at the end of his recently-extended contract should he not be able to fulfil those ambitions at the Emirates Stadium in a side which "haven't got a winning mentality".

Wenger admits Arsenal must continue to strive for those goals as his team looks to produce a response to a faltering Premier League campaign, which has seen them facing a stern challenge from Everton to finish in the top four again following last weekend's 3-0 defeat at Goodison Park.

"When results are not (going) as well, you can always think you can improve," said Wenger ahead of Saturday's Wembley clash.

Wigan v Arsenal: 10 reasons why Arsenal are right to fear an FA Cup semi-final upset

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1/10Wigan v Arsenal: 10 reasons why Arsenal are right to fear an FA Cup semi-final upset

Wigan v Arsenal: 10 reasons why Arsenal are right to fear an FA Cup semi-final upset

Wigan are in form...

The Latics have been revitalised by Uwe Rosler's arrival at the club, losing only four of 28 domestic games since the German took control of the club. In addition, they are unbeaten in their last 12 FA Cup matches - a run stretching back to January 2012.

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Wigan v Arsenal: 10 reasons why Arsenal are right to fear an FA Cup semi-final upset

...And Arsenal aren't

Having been so consistent for the majority of the season, the Gunners have found results more difficult to come by in recent weeks and are without a win in four Premier League games. That run of results has ended hopes of a first Premier League title in a decade, with Everton now providing significant competition for a place in the top four. That, in turn, has placed a greater importance on success in the FA Cup.

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Wigan v Arsenal: 10 reasons why Arsenal are right to fear an FA Cup semi-final upset

Wigan are expert underdogs

When the Latics were drawn away at Manchester City in the last round, most observers felt they had been handed the most difficult tie available. But Rosler's side were excellent - combining often relentless pressing with a disciplined defensive display. Jordi Gomez and James Perch gave Wigan a two-goal lead and, despite Samir Nasri pulling a goal back, they held on to stun the Citizens just as they did in last year's final and secure another trip to Wembley. They've also beaten Premier League sides Crystal Palace and Cardiff City on their way to Saturday's semi-final.

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Wigan v Arsenal: 10 reasons why Arsenal are right to fear an FA Cup semi-final upset

Wigan have won at Wembley before...

The Latics beat both Millwall and Manchester City at Wembley last season and should be used to the pitch and the surroundings. Wigan have demonstrated in the past that they can deal with the big occasion.

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Wigan v Arsenal: 10 reasons why Arsenal are right to fear an FA Cup semi-final upset

...But Arsenal haven't

The Gunners have lost both of their visits to Wembley since the stadium reopened in 2007. They were beaten 2-1 by Chelsea in a 2009 FA Cup semi-final and also suffered defeat on their next visit, losing by the same scoreline to Birmingham City in the 2011 League Cup final.

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Wigan v Arsenal: 10 reasons why Arsenal are right to fear an FA Cup semi-final upset

Wigan could make history

The Latics are well on course to becoming only the seventh team to retain the trophy, which could offer even more motivation to Rosler's team. Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Chelsea are the teams to have retained the FA Cup in the past.

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Wigan v Arsenal: 10 reasons why Arsenal are right to fear an FA Cup semi-final upset

Wigan are under no pressure...

Arsenal are clear favourites to win on Saturday, with odds of 1/2 being offered on Arsene Wenger's side to progress in 90 minutes. Wigan are clear underdogs but, going by previous results in the FA Cup, they will not be intimidated. Rosler's team are comfortably in the Championship play-off places and will remain in the top six even if the teams around them all win at the weekend.

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Wigan v Arsenal: 10 reasons why Arsenal are right to fear an FA Cup semi-final upset

...But Arsenal are

The Gunners have not lifted silverware in nine years and the pressure is on Arsene Wenger to deliver a first trophy since 2005. The omens are not good though - Arsenal have reached at least the semi-final of competitions on eight occasions (including one Community Shield) since May 2005 but have not won any honours. That there is talk Wenger could walk away if this season ends in disappointment only ramps up the importance of this tie.

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Wigan v Arsenal: 10 reasons why Arsenal are right to fear an FA Cup semi-final upset

Arsenal have lost to Wigan in a cup semi-final before

Wigan were victorious the last time these sides met in the last four of a domestic competition. Paul Scharner's goal secured a 1-0 win in the first leg of the 2006 League Cup semi-final and Jason Roberts struck late on in extra time in the return match at Highbury to send the Latics through on away goals.

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Wigan v Arsenal: 10 reasons why Arsenal are right to fear an FA Cup semi-final upset

The Gunners have injuries

Arsenal's season has been disrupted by the loss of a series of key players. Theo Walcott is out for the season and Wenger is unlikely to be able to call on Laurent Koscielny, Mesut Ozil or Jack Wilshere at the weekend. Aaron Ramsey only returned from a thigh problem last weekend and Abou Diaby is still out too.

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"There is no perfect team and we will always try to improve our squad and our team.

"This season we lost key players at big important moments of the season, but we have to just to focus on finishing as well as we can.

Wenger confirms Ramsey will start against Wigan

"We are in a position where we can still do very well until the end of the season, that is what we want.

"It is not about next season, it is about this season."

Wenger insisted it was not all doom and gloom around the club following what had been such a promising campaign.

"Let's see first how we finish, but we have the basics," said the Arsenal boss, who has yet to sign the offer of a new contract extension.

"What is important for us is we have our players back and available.

"Our main task will be to keep the team together and think 'where did we go wrong?' because there's a lot of positives in our season as well.

"We have been the league leader 17 times and we dropped off when we lost our players at the important moment of the season, that is what we don't want to repeat."

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