Cup final pressure on Arsenal, says Sherwood after Aston Villa's shock win over Liverpool
Sunday, 19th April 2015
Published: 19 April, 2015
By PAUL COWLING at Wembley Stadium
FA Cup Semi-Final
ASTON VILLA 2, LIVERPOOL 1
ASTON VILLA coach Tim Sherwood insists "all the pressure will be on Arsenal" when the two sides clash in the FA Cup final at the end of May.
The former Spur was speaking after watching his side come from behind to beat Liverpool 2-1 to set up a Wembley return against the Gunners on May 30.
Fabian Delph scored what proved to be the winning goal after Christian Benteke had cancelled out Philippe Coutinho's opener for Liverpool.
The Cup upset earned Villa "a tough game against the best footballing side in the Premier League", admitted Sherwood after the game. But the boyhood Arsenal fan is adamant his team won't be returning to Wembley just to make up the numbers.
"I watched the Arsenal semi-final, and Arsene Wenger was calm. I think it was because he is part of that 'there is nothing won yet' culture," he said.
"It's going to be tough. Arsenal are the best footballing side in the Premier League, and we are the underdogs.
"But all the pressure will be on them as they are the holders," added Sherwood. "We will take the game to Arsenal."
Sherwood was right, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger isn't adding another FA Cup victory to his CV just yet.
After seeing his side stumble past Championship side Reading 2-1 on Saturday, following extra-time, the Frenchman said he wasn't getting carried away by the club reaching a record 19th final.
"The records show that we are consistent, and that is most difficult, but I believe that we now need to focus on our next game," said Wenger.
"The final is 50/50 so let’s hope we have all our players available to come back in a good shape."