Arsenal memories will inspire us, claims Swansea skipper

Swansea City's Garry Monk acknowledges the crowd after the final whistle. Picture: Nick Potts/PA Wire

Saturday, January 5, 2013
2:01 PM

Swansea will be inspired by memories of last season’s famous Barclays Premier League win over Arsenal when the clubs meet again in the FA Cup third round, according to captain Garry Monk.

Last January’s 3-2 win over the Gunners was arguably the highlight of Swansea’s maiden Premier League campaign, and put the south Wales club firmly on the map as they outplayed the top-flight’s renowned pass masters.

Since then Swansea have also gone to the Emirates Stadium and come away with victory, thanks to Michu’s double in a 2-0 win in December, and Monk believes those successes mean Swansea will take a fearless approach come Sunday lunchtime.

“The win last season was amazing and was fully deserved,” said Monk.

“It was one of the landmark games of the first season and gave us a lot of confidence that we could perform in the Premier League, although this game is in the Cup we will take that into Sunday.

“It was a fantastic win at the Emirates as well, but that was also very deserved and that’s the point we are trying to make.

“We played well for 90 minutes and it was a professional performance, but we know the FA Cup is going to be something different.

“We want to get the job done in 90 minutes and I think it will be a different game from the one at the Emirates because they’ve been on a decent run of form since then.

“But it does make a difference when you play these sides week in, week out.

“When you are a lower league club there is a bit more of the unknown but everybody is an established Premier League player now so it is a little less daunting.

“It’s one to look forward to as a player and a big plus for us is that it’s at home in front of our own supporters.”