Published: 3 January, 2014
by STEVE BARNETT

WOJCIECH Szczesny is “delighted” that Arsenal were drawn against Tottenham in the third round of the FA Cup because it gives them the chance to knock their north London rivals out of the competition.

Having already beaten Spurs 1-0 at the Emirates this season, the Gunners’ goalkeeper is confident that his team will be triumphant again when the two sides meet on Saturday evening.

“This is the game you look forward to all season,” Szczesny told Arsenal’s official match day programme. “Hopefully we can repeat the performances that we have put in recently and get a similar result to the one that we got earlier in the season.

“I personally can’t wait for it. I always find that it’s good to play good teams early in the competition because you have a real chance to knock them out. We’re confident and believe that we have what it takes to get through to the next round.”

Despite Szczesny’s overwhelming confidence the tie comes at a bad time for an Arsenal squad still counting the cost of a hectic festive period. Nicklas Bendtner is definitely out after injuring his ankle as he scored a vital last-gasp goal against Cardiff on Wednesday.

Olivier Giroud is also struggling after picking up a knock in the Gunners’ previous game, away at Newcastle, while Lukas Podolski is still not 100 per cent fit following his long injury lay-off.

Even with Arsenal’s growing injury list and rapidly depleting attacking options Arsene Wenger has ruled out recklessly splashing the cash during the January transfer window.

“Lukas has not played for four months and he still lacks that bit of sharpness needed up front,” said the Frenchman. “Giroud and Bendtner are also injured, but it doesn’t mean we go straight from Nicklas’ ankle to the transfer market.”