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Wenger: Reading ready to die

Monday, April 20 2015 by SNTV
  • Intro:

    Arsene Wenger says Reading were ready to die on the pitch to overcome Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday.

    Script:

    SOUNDBITE Arsene Wenger, Arsenal manager: (on Reading's performance, Arsenal's luck and his relief that the game didn't go to penalties)

    "We had a big improvement, because we needed the penalties last year, but in the end we got through. we had a lot of possession, but... I think we had 23 shots on goal and 72 per cent possession, but they still... it was difficult to find space, because they defended very well and I was surprised how strong they were in the challenges, absolutely, and in the second half, they became even stronger in the challenges and we suffered a little bit and lost some balls we're not used to losing in the first half. In the end we were a bit lucky, because their 'keeper made a mistake and I can understand that he's distraught, but he kept them as well in the game for long periods."

    SOUNDBITE Arsene Wenger, Arsenal manager: (on the drop in performance in the second half)

    "I felt that after half time, we didn't come on with the same intensity that we had in the first half. In the first half, we controlled well the game and you felt that it would come. In the second half, we suddenly started to suffer at the start of the game (second half) and we paid for that."

    SOUNDBITE Arsene Wenger, Arsenal manager: (on Reading's purpose and desire to win)

    "It's always a combination of mistakes, but they wanted it really, Reading. They wanted to die on the pitch, to go to this final and you have to congratulate them on the effort they put in today."

    SOUNDBITE Arsene Wenger, Arsenal manager: (on looking ahead to the rest of the season and the final)

    "I believe now let's focus on our next game. We come back here in the final, we have time to prepare and overall of course, a final is fifty-fifty. If we can beat that record, we will be very happy, but a final is fifty-fifty and let's hope we have all our players available and come back in a good shape."

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