Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has admitted that the club's triumph in the FA Cup last season has lifted the pressure off the team heading into their semi-final clash against Reading.

The Gunners secured their first trophy win in nine years when they beat Hull City in the final, while the club can go one step closer to retaining the crown when they face off against Steve Clarke's men at Wembley.

However, Ramsey has warned his teammates that they cannot afford to take the Royals lightly despite their success in the competition.

"That sort of pressure has gone because we won something last season, so there is no more of this nine years [without a trophy talk]," Ramsey told the club's official website.

"I suppose that's sort of gone but we are big favourites and we have to go into the game switched on and ready for them, because anything can happen in these stages of the FA Cup.

"Their league form this season has been up and down, but anything can happen on the day. So we will have to start well, which we have been doing lately in games, and hopefully finish the job off."

Arsene Wenger's men face the Royals in their match later today.