Arsenal tend to win in the third round of the FA Cup, but Arsene Wenger still thinks it’s the most difficult round of the competition.

Arsenal get their defence of the FA Cup underway on Sunday against Nottingham Forest.

We are undefeated in our previous 21 third round ties, but Arsene Wenger still feels it’s the most difficult round of the competition.

“From my personal experience in the FA Cup, and I think I have a lot, this is maybe the most difficult round,” he said, as reported by Arsenal.com.

“It’s always difficult to start well in the competition and when you play away against a Championship team – it’s always very intense and the Championship teams are ready to face you.

“For them, it’s a big challenge and you have to maintain your concentration coming out of a very loaded and congested period over Christmas. That’s never easy.”

Arsenal have won the FA Cup three times in the last four years.

Altogether, they won a record 13 FA Cups, and are looking to extend their lead with a 14th triumph.

While it’s not as big as an accomplishment as winning the Premier League, Wenger feels the cup is becoming more important.

“Yeah, I think contrary to what people think, the FA Cup becomes more and more important in every single country,” he said.

“Why? Because it’s difficult to win this kind of trophy.

“You have so many teams who want always to win a trophy. It becomes more and more difficult.

“I think we won it in style in a period where we were questioned.”

Given that Arsenal are a long way behind Manchester City in the league table, the cup competitions are their only chance for success this season.

We’re already in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, but have a difficult two-leg tie against Chelsea to get through.

The Europa League is also a good chance for silverware.

We’re likely to see a lot of changes to the team on Sunday, but it could be another step towards a piece of silverware this season.