Football: Van Persie and Diaby lead fighting talk ahead of Wembley Carling Cup final

Published: 3 February, 2011
by RICHARD OSLEY

Gunners fired up for ‘Big One’

ARSENAL stars are hyping up the importance of their qualification for the Carling Cup final even though the trophy was once considered so low priority by the club that they only fielded reserves and youth team players. 

Robin Van Persie has insisted the competition is a “big one” as the Gunners prepare to take on Birmingham at Wembley on Sunday February 27. 

Manager Arsene Wenger has been accused of downplaying the competition in the past by resting his best players. But this season the likes of Van Persie and Cesc Fabregas have made regular appearances. 

Striker Van Persie insists reaching Wembley is “a great achievement”, adding: “We’re hungry for trophies and the Carling Cup is a big one. Everyone can have a great day at Wembley and hopefully we can complete the job. It’s down to us and how much we want to fight for every single game.”  

Midfielder Abou Diaby returned from injury on Tuesday when he was  used as a substitute in the 2-1 Premier League win against Everton.

He is also relishing the chance to play at Wembley, as Arsenal feature for first time in a final at the stadium since it was redeveloped. 

“We are really excited and are determined to win the final,” enthused Diaby. “It will give us a lot of appetite for the rest of the season. 

“We deserve to go there and we want to lift the trophy for the fans, the club as a whole, and for ourselves.”