Oxlade-Chamberlain claims Arsenal ‘owed fans’ cup win

Rob McCarthy
Arsenal: Through to the FA Cup final

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain admitted Arsenal’s players owed the fans after booking a spot in the FA Cup final with a 2-1 win over Manchester City.

The Gunners, who have struggled in the league this season, went behind to Sergio Aguero’s strike, but Nacho Monreal and Alexis Sanchez’s extra-time goal saw them come from behind to secure another Wembley date.

With Arsene Wenger’s men seven points off a top four spot, Oxlade-Chamberlain said it was vital they progressed.

He told BT Sport: “We set out today to get into a final. Our league form hasn’t been good enough and we’re disappointed in that, but this was something we could hold on to for the fans.

“It was important we got to the final. This gives us every opportunity to go and win.”

Danny Welbeck, who made a lively contribution off the bench, added: “In the league we’re not where we want to be but we have to stick it out.

“We’re in the final of the FA Cup so we’ve got to get out there and win.”

Wenger, whose future at the club has been under much scrutiny during recent months, again refused to comment on speculation that he will sign a new deal at the Emirates, despite protests from fans.

When asked if he was ready to reveal his future, he said: “No. People can question my decision, but not my loyalty and my commitment to this club.”

He added: “I’m very proud of our performance and the spirit shown. We became stronger as the game went on.

“Maybe the first half we were a bit cautious, a bit accepting, but we dominated the second half. It was a very tight game, but we deserved to win.”