Focused on City

Manchester City v Arsenal
The FA Youth Cup sponsored by E.ON
Semi-Final First Leg
City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester City FC
7pm, Wednesday 18 March 2009

Steve Bould believes Arsenal must call on the same character they showed at White Hart Lane if they are to emerge victorious from The FA Youth Cup Semi-Final first leg with Manchester City.

An enthralling late victory over Tottenham in the last round set up Wednesday's mouth-watering tie against the defending champions, and while Bould understands the significance of victory over their local rivals, he has urged his team to look forward rather than back.

"They need to forget about Tottenham, just like the first-teamers would have to do. It doesn't matter about the result there - it's all about the next game," Bould told Arsenal's official club website.

"The kids produced under pressure which was very nice. I think it was by far and away the best feeling I have had as a coach. It was a magnificent advert for youth football in this country.

"I think this game becomes the biggest game of their careers now. We talk about winning games, and these kids want to win games. They are natural-born winners.

"We have to turn up with the pressure on again and perform again. We are moving very close to going on and achieving what we want - which is winning it."

Arsenal's young players travel to the City of Manchester Stadium on the back of a 5-1 weekend victory over Fulham, but Bould is fully aware The Youth Cup holders present a much tougher task.

"We are under no illusions about the task in hand. We have spoken about the City game and pointed out they will probably be a tougher task than Tottenham," he added.