Adams backs Gunners for FA Cup
Tony Adams is optimistic Arsenal can reclaim the FA Cup he lifted three times while captain of the Gunners.
The former England international made more than 600 appearances for Arsenal and believes his former club can lift the famous trophy for the 10th time.
Adams was at the headquarters of competition sponsors Nationwide in Swindon ahead of this month’s final at the Millennium Stadium when his old club take on Manchester United.
Adams said: “It will be a fantastic occasion between two wonderful clubs and I think Arsenal can do it again.
“You don’t know how some of the youngsters will react as a lot of them are first timers, but if they play to their full potential they can have the edge on Manchester United.
“There are so many quality players on the pitch that the game could turn in so many different ways.
“Wayne Rooney and Patrick Vieira are just two names that spring to mind amongst the wealth of talent on show.
“It is similar to 1999 when we should have beaten Man United in the semi final, but a great goal from Ryan Giggs decided it.
“There is so much at stake for both managers with both Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger wanting to finish the season with some silverware – and this is their last opportunity to do it.
“Neither will want to leave Cardiff empty-handed as it is important to have a trophy because of the confidence it can generate in the team.”
Adams feels the lengthy absence from the Arsenal side this season of central defender Sol Campbell has affected their campaign in all competitions.
“Three crucial things happened to Arsenal this season – the lack and loss of form of Jens Lehmann plus the long absences of Sol and Gilberto.
“That could have made the difference over the year.
“But the experience gathered by Philippe Senderos during their absences has been invaluable and useful for the future.”
Adams cites the form of Petr Cech and the emergence of Arjen Robben as the main reasons Chelsea won the Premiership this season.
Arsenal have been left competing with United for second spot for most of the campaign and Adams said: “Chelsea have had a superb season but I don’t think there was that much of a difference between them and Arsenal.
“They were able to cope and Robben, Joe Cole and Damien Duff made the difference when Arsenal had lots of injury problems and had to throw in the kids.”
