Arsene Wenger is chasing FA Cup history this year, but the Frenchman recently claimed he was under more pressure 3 years ago than he is right now.

Wenger has won the trophy a record equaling 6 times (’98, ’02, ’03, ’05, ’14, ’15); one more triumph would make him the outright leader. The record would likely stand for many years given the nature of modern football, with the chopping and changing culture surrounding managerial appointments these days.

Back in 2014 Arsenal faced Wigan in the semi-final, and like this season the Frenchman’s contract was due to be up in the summer. Arsenal hadn’t won a trophy for 9 years at the time, and it really did feel like he had to win the cup, or that would be that.

The tie went to penalties, with the Gunners then going on to beat Hull in the final. Wenger then signed a new 3-year deal, added another FA Cup the following year, won nothing last term, and now here we are, back at another FA Cup semi. This time though Arsenal will face the might of Manchester City, a side with far greater pedigree than Wigan, who will likely cause them far more problems.

From the outside this match might appear to be make-or-break for Wenger’s future at Arsenal, but the Frenchman clearly doesn’t see it that way. That’s sure to disgruntle the ‘Wenger Out’ crowd. Arsenal go into the match as underdogs, so maybe the Frenchman is viewing the game as more of a free hit than a must win.

Speaking to the press this week Wenger said, “In 2014 it was a special pressure, this time, is a special opportunity for us,” said Wenger who has won the trophy twice in the last three seasons.”

“It was a special pressure because it was difficult for us. We had not won a trophy for a long time. And that people wanted to us to win a trophy or questioned us about winning a trophy.”

“We had the opportunity in the semi final to go to the final and win the cup. Overall yes the pressure was big.”

“I always thought the cup is something special. In fact I have won the cup in every country I have worked. So it is always something that is special.”

“I’m very proud of the record because you have had many strong managers in England for many periods. The guy who won it six times was not today, it was early 1900s.”

“It’s not easy. I will try to (beat the record) but for that we will have to go through on Sunday. The championship is more of a marathon and this is more condensed and is quicker rewarded.”

Another FA Cup win would do wonders for Arsenal’s season, and would make it 3 in the past 4 years, an impressive feat to say the least. After the Gunners have dealt with City, they must continue putting contract speculation to the back of their minds, in order to give them the best opportunity to beat Chelsea and claim the big prize.