Arsenal's German centre-back Per Mertesacker has said that The Gunners must use the experience of last season's FA Cup semi-final to their advantage at Wembley this evening. Arséne Wenger's men, who are currently second in the Premier League, entertain Championship side Reading in one of the two semi-final fixtures this weekend.
They came narrowly close to defeat against Wigan Athletic this time last year, with Mertesacker scoring the all-important equaliser to send the tie into extra time and eventually penalties, which they come out on top in. The towering defender had this to say: "It is going to be their biggest game of the season so to mentally prepare that is going to be difficult, not just to match their physicality and mental strength but to do more, to be on the ball from the start. [We need] to show them respect but no fear for the pressure. The winning streak helps us a bit but this competition is completely different."
It is the best competition I have ever played in because so many big teams struggle; but I don't want to struggle." - Mertesacker on the competitive nature of the FA Cup
He added: "I want to repeat the success - that is my real target so let's make sure that we are on the same level and do more than our opponent. On the football side we're good enough but sometimes you need to put in some different qualities nobody expects from you. We had some different games when you think of Manchester City away - nobody expected us to play like that, focusing on our own defence and then getting them on the break. That was something new for us as a team. We need a special performance [against Reading] as well to release that pressure."
You can follow the live coverage on VAVEL UK, as the match kicks off at 5.20pm later today.