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Thomas Vermaelen tips Arsenal to be buoyed by FA Cup semi-final victory over Wigan

Image: Thomas Vermaelen: Cup victory crucial

Thomas Vermaelen admitted Arsenal's FA Cup semi-final victory over Wigan was crucial to the club's hopes of a successful finish to the season.

Arsenal host West Ham on Tuesday night in a quickfire return to Premier League action, but Vermaelen said the tight schedule must not cause any problems. "It was a long day and a quick turnaround but we've done that before, playing Saturday and Tuesday, so we can't use that as an excuse," he said. "I don't think they will come to the Emirates and just settle, I think they will come to win. "We have to make sure we compete hard for the victory now because they certainly will." France striker Olivier Giroud challenged Arsenal to end their trophy drought and lift the FA Cup, for boss Wenger as much as anyone else. "It's been a long time without a trophy as everyone knows, and now we have an excellent chance to change that," said Giroud. "We really want to win it for the fans, for the club and for the boss as well, it would be huge for him."

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