Saturday, 12th April, 2014
Arsenal midfielder Kim Kallstrom insists that today's FA Cup semi-final "was "all about winning" after the Gunners squeaked past Championship side Wigan Athletic at Wembley on penalties.
Arsene Wenger's men fell behind on the day after Per Mertesacker brought down Callum McManaman in the box, allowing Jordi Gomez to score from the spot in the 63rd minute.
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Arsenal then pushed hard to find the equaliser, going close on several occasions, but ultimately being made to wait until the 82nd minute, when Mertesacker made amends by heading home.
Both sides could find no further goals in extra-time however and the contest headed to penalties.
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Wigan missed their first two spot-kicks and lost the shootout 4-2 and for Kallstrom, who scored Arsenal's second from the spot, the performance came second to the result.
"It was a really tough game, They defended really well but we pushed all the way through", he was quoted as saying by the BBC.
"The semi-final is all about winning. It was tough but we did it. We had to stay strong mentally and at at 1-0 down it gets tough. We were focused and even though it was on penalties, we will take it.
"We have been struggling in recent weeks but you have to deal with that, it's part of the game.
"Hopefully, it's a great boost of confidence for the rest of the season."
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