Published: 27 January, 2012
by STEVE BARNETT

RESERVES captain Ignasi Miquel has revealed it would be “a dream” to line-up for Arsenal in the FA Cup final, but is refusing to take Sunday’s opponents Aston Villa for granted.

The defender insists the Gunners are taking the road to Wembley “step-by-step” and that the players are fully focused on the Villans visit to the Emirates.   

“Anyone can beat anyone in the cups,” he told Arsenal.com. “These games are completely different from the league, so anyone we play will be a hard game.

“Of course, the big teams have a good chance in the FA Cup, but you have to stay focused and make sure you beat who is in front of you.

It is a dream to play at Wembley in a big final.

First, we have to go step by step, but obviously if we can get to Wembley it would be a big, big thing for us.

“We have not won a title for quite long, so it would be great for us.

But our next game is on Sunday against Aston Villa and we must focus on that.

“If we keep working and stay mentally strong we can get through it.”

Miquel made his Arsenal debut in the FA Cup last season and featured against Leeds in the memorable third-round match that saw Thierry Henry score the winner earlier this month.

“That was amazing. It was the best crowd I have ever seen at the Emirates. The last 10 or 15 minutes were unbelievable,” Miquel said.

“Everyone knows it is a hard time for us but if you get the supporters behind you, you feel more comfortable. After Thierry scored, Leeds had a couple of chances but we stayed strong at the back and the supporters were with us, so that helped a lot.”

Manager Arsene Wenger has been given a timely boost with the news that Henry and Mikel Arteta are both expected to be fit for the game after missing Sunday’s 2-1 defeat against Manchester United with calf injuries.

Long-term absentees Kieran Gibbs and Bacary Sagna are also close to returning to full training, though the Villa game has come too soon for the defenders.