Arsene Wenger wants his team to show Arsenal fans they can have genuine hope of a sustained Premier League title challenge next season by finishing this one “on a high”.
It would also be the ideal preparation for another visit to Wembley on Saturday.
The Gunners are all but secure of third place, heading into today’s final match of the campaign against West Brom three points clear of Manchester United and with a superior goal difference.
It is, of course, not the ending Wenger would have set out for back in August.
A slow start ultimately put paid to any hopes of a late title charge to reel in Chelsea, despite a formidable run since the turn of the year.
The Frenchman, though, feels the squad is on the cusp of something special, with the opportunity to retain the FA Cup also on the horizon.
“We have used our hiccups now at home and we want to go on the final day finishing on a high and send the fans back home in peace, ready for next season,” said Wenger.
“It is also important in the Premier League that they go home full of hope.”
“The confidence level going into the FA Cup Final will come from recent results, and the important result will, of course, be from the game against West Brom. So it is vital.”
Much of Arsenal’s upturn in fortunes since the start of 2015 has been down to the consistent performances of Francis Coquelin, who has excelled in a defensive midfield role since returning from a loan spell at Charlton.
Wenger has been impressed with the 24-year-old’s determination after, at one stag, looking to have missed his first-team chance.
“What I like is the fact that he wins duels and has a strength in the challenge and a strength to read the opponent’s game,” Wenger said.
“Francis is an intelligent boy, with big passion for the game and has shown some absolutely remarkable mental strength.
“He accepted going to Charlton for a month to show he can play. He came back and played.”
Enjoy the convenience of having The Sunday Post delivered as a digital ePaper straight to your smartphone, tablet or computer.
Subscribe for only £5.49 a month and enjoy all the benefits of the printed paper as a digital replica.
Subscribe