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LONDON. — Arsene Wenger said yesterday that his time as Arsenal manager could have come to an end if the Gunners had lost the 2014 FA Cup final to Hull.

Arsenal, who face the same opponents in the fifth round of the FA Cup today, found themselves 2-0 down inside eight minutes as Hull took a shock lead at Wembley two years ago.

It looked as if the north London club’s nine-year wait for a major trophy might continue but goals from Santi Cazorla and Laurent Koscielny drew Arsenal level before Aaron Ramsey scored the winner in extra-time.

For Wenger, Arsenal’s manager since 1996, the 3-2 victory was a landmark result after the Frenchman had come under increasing fire from disaffected Arsenal fans.

“I don’t know, honestly, I don’t know,” said veteran French boss Wenger when asked if he would have been sacked if Arsenal had lost.

“It was up in the air and we had to give everything to win that final. If we had lost it I don’t know.”

“It would have been a problem if we had not won. It would have been a massive disappointment for everyone, but we won.”

Wenger, who signed a new three-year extension 13 days after the victory, added: “Usually I respect my contracts and I fight for everything. I think as well to say to you that if 17 years at a club depend on one cup final, it is better you don’t go to the final.”

The FA Cup final win over Hull marked something of a key staging post for an emerging Arsenal side.

Now they are bidding to become the first side since the 19th Century to win the FA Cup three years in a row after thrashing English Premier League rivals Aston Villa 4-0 in the 2015 final.

Arsenal are also just two points behind leaders Leicester as they chase their first Premier League title since 2004.

A daunting Champions League showdown with Barcelona quickly follows Arsenal’s FA Cup fifth-round clash with Hull City, but Wenger is unlikely to make too many changes to his preferred line-up today.

Wenger’s side are the Cup holders after successfully retaining the famous old trophy last season by thrashing Aston Villa 4-0 in the final.

And for a third season in a row Hull, now in the Championship, will be aiming to knock them out.

The Gunners came back from 2-0 down to beat them 3-2 in the 2014 final at Wembley and then won 2-0 in last year’s third round.

With Spanish giants Barca due to face Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on Tuesday, it would hardly be surprising if Wenger was planning to rest the majority of his starting line-up when Hull visit the Emirates Stadium this weekend.

Danny Welbeck could be in line for his first start in 10 months.

Arsenal striker Welbeck marked his return after a lengthy knee injury with the dramatic late winner against Leicester last Sunday.

Welbeck could now start against Hull City in the FA Cup with David Ospina, Laurent Koscielny and Mohamed Elneny also set to play.

Ospina is likely to play with Petr Cech rested and Koscielny is back from a dead leg while Gabriel is still out.

But there is still no end in sight for Jack Wilshere as the England midfielder, according to Wenger, is still out for another “three to four weeks.”

Wenger said yesterday: “Koscielny will be available. He has a test today but it will be positive. Gabriel is still out. I believe Gabriel will need more week. He started running yesterday but one more week (is needed).

“I think three or four weeks (for Wilshere). Petr Cech it is possible yes, because Ospina plays in the FA Cup and (Cech) will not be involved tomorrow (today).

“Elneny has a good chance to play. He is ready now, he has worked very hard and it is a good test for me to see him. He is fighting for a regular place in the team and I consider him like anyone else. He will have a good chance to play”. —AFP.