M. Arteta: "The favorite status in the FA Cup means nothing"

2026-03-07 11:55 © scanpix

London's Arsenal club head coach Mikel Arteta commented before the match against Mansfield about his team's previous cup eliminations and the importance of the favorites' label in the FA Cup:

"We have been eliminated in different ways a few times, and that is a very bad feeling.

It seems to cut into the club's reputation. We do not want to go through all of that.”

"I have been in England long enough to understand that being a favorite means nothing.

When it comes to the FA Cup, at that moment of the day, on that pitch, I know they have belief and hope that they can beat us.

We need to be very well prepared.”

Today’s FA Cup eighth-final stage will take place, and the Gunners are still fighting for all four titles.

London's Arsenal club is leading the English championship with 67 points.