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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Matt Davies

Arsenal hark back to past FA Cup successes with inspiring Wembley display for Manchester City semi-final

With fans unable to attend Arsenal's FA Cup semi-final clash against Manchester City on Saturday, the Gunners have utilised the empty seats to pay tribute to their 13 previous tournament victories.

Arsenal's allotted lower-tier section has been filled with 13 pictures which each represent a particular year and contain images of a player from the past, with Ray Parlour, Patrick Viera and Aaron Ramsey as examples.

Yellow ribbons have also been placed in the West Stand, each hand-tied by members of the Gunners' staff.

Arsenal have won the most FA Cup titles in history, their first coming all the way back in 1930. A successful run of three victories in four years between 2013 and 2017 saw them overtake Manchester Untied - who sit on 12 titles - at the top of the pile.

City enter the match as the reigning champions following an emphatic 6-0 win against Watford in last year's final, however, also winning eight of the last nine domestic titles in total.

(Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Regardless, Arsenal will hope their display of success can spur their players on in what comes as their last opportunity for silverware this season.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday announced spectators will be able to return to sporting events from October 1, subject to the success of a number of prior test events.

“From October we intend to bring back audiences in stadia and allow conferences and other business events to recommence, again these changes must be done in a Covid-secure way subject to the successful outcome of pilots," he said.

Speaking in his press conference ahead of Saturday's game, Arteta also commented on the latest development, insisting both the clubs and the fans must be patient.

“Obviously things are evolving in different countries in different ways,” Arteta said.

“I think we have to be patient. I think we are all desperate to have our people back in the stadium and make football what it is again. But obviously we want to be able to create a safe environment for everybody to come and join.

“My opinion is that it will be gradual. The sooner the better but let’s do it carefully.”

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