Petr Cech stirred by Arsenal's defense of FA Cup trophy

The FA Cup still holds the same allure for Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech as he embarks upon his quest for a fifth success in the 145-year-old competition this weekend.

A four-time FA Cup winner with Chelsea, Cech is hoping to help Arsenal win the FA Cup for the third year running — a feat last achieved by Blackburn Rovers between 1884 and 1886.

With Arsenal top of the Premier League and chasing a first league title since 2004, they could be forgiven for wanting to manage their resources, but Cech only has eyes for Saturday’s home game with Sunderland.

“I always love to play the FA Cup, no matter the team we play, because it is always special to be involved,” the Czech international, 33, told the Arsenal website.

“The second reason is if you play in the final or semi-final, you get to play at Wembley Stadium. You always play big games there.

“This means once you go to the game you have this pressure, tension and atmosphere, so they are always the games you look forward to playing in and that is why the FA Cup is special for me.”

The visit of Sunderland, second from bottom in the Premier League, to the Emirates Stadium is one of five all-top-flight ties in round three.

Manchester City, three points below Arsenal in the league, visit Norwich City, while high-flying Leicester City visit fourth-place Tottenham Hotspur.

SEE MORE: FA Cup TV and streaming schedule for viewers in the US this weekend.

Leicester will be without 15-goal top scorer Jamie Vardy, who is due to undergo minor groin surgery, but the England striker is expected to be fit for the teams’ reunion in the league three days later.

The other all-Premier League affairs see Southampton host Crystal Palace and Newcastle United visit Watford.

SEE MORE: Petr Cech is already becoming one of Arsene Wenger’s best buys.