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Arteta - It could be more than a trophy

Mikel Arteta celebrates his penalty against Wigan in the FA Cup semi-final
Mikel Arteta celebrates his penalty against Wigan in the FA Cup semi-final

Mikel Arteta believes an Arsenal victory in Saturday’s FA Cup final could have a far greater impact than simply the winning of a trophy.

The Gunners are favourites for their Wembley showdown with Hull City, having beaten them twice already this season.

Arteta is confident the club will claim its first trophy since 2005, and feels it could help spark a new era of success.

"I think when you get to that line and you win, it creates a lot of confidence and builds something special"

Mikel Arteta

“We don't need to convince anyone we can win it,” he said. “But what I can tell you is that we are very determined to do it because it's a great opportunity for us to win a trophy, we've worked really hard to get in this position and we don't want to waste it.

“Everybody's preparation has been top drawer this week and we are ready for it because it's a great event for us and the club.

“Of course when you win a trophy it will look very different for us. With the history we have in the last eight or nine years without any trophies at all obviously it can be a great turning point.

“I think when you get to that line and you win, it creates a lot of confidence and builds something special. It will be something special between the players, the fans, the staff.

“Then suddenly you have the Community Shield to play for, which is another trophy and the ball is rolling. In my opinion this is something else than just a final and a trophy.”

Arteta insists there is “no fear” among the Arsenal squad ahead of the final, despite their favourites tag.

“What I sense is a big determination,” he said. “The players can't wait for Saturday to come and to be on that pitch. We're ready for it.”

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