Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has claimed that he and his players will not have the 'excuse of being surprised' if they get beaten by Championship side Middlesbrough in the FA Cup fifth round on Sunday.

Aitor Karanka's side proved their threat by knocking Manchester City out of the tournament with a 2-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium in the fourth round.

"They are not afraid to take on the big boys," Wenger said in this morning's press conference. "They are well organised, play good football and they are very creative.

"We won't be surprised by them. We don't have the excuse to be surprised as they beat Manchester City."

Arsenal sealed their place in the next round with a 3-2 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.

Written by
Danielle Joynson