Arsene Wenger rules out defending deep in FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester United

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will urge his defence to push up in Monday's FA Cup quarter-final with Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The Gunners have been in blistering form in the Premier League with seven wins from their last eight games and many expected Wenger to deploy the same counter-attacking tactics that secured a 2-0 win over reigning champions Manchester City early on in that run back in January.

But the Frenchman said: "At Manchester City, we scored the first goal, then we were on a defensive foot because they had to come out, and that (who scores first on Monday night) is not predictable today (before the game).

"But what is for sure is both teams will go for it, so that means we will have to attack well and defend well.

What is for sure is both teams will go for it, so that means we will have to attack well and defend well.

"You have to analyse it. You also have to look at ways of possession - is it in your own half or is it in the opponents half? If it is in your half, it can be a bit illusionary possession.

"I still think possession is an important part of the game - you cannot go into a game and say you do not want the ball.

"Sometimes you do not have the ball because your opponent is better, sometimes you are leading 1-0 or 2-0 and your team is focused on defending the advantage. 

"But overall I still think it is very important that the sport rewards people and teams who take initiative."

Arsenal were victorious at Etihad Stadium despite spending just 35% of the game in possession.