Interview

'They played their best football since I arrived'

Seven months into his career as a head coach and Mikel Arteta already has his first trophy after we beat Chelsea to lift the Emirates FA Cup.

It is a remarkable moment for the Spaniard - but we was quick to thank his players for buying into the process he has started since his arrival.

 

"It’s even better (winning it now compared to 2014) considering everything we’ve been through since I arrived," Arteta told Arsenal Digital.

 

"For me personally to get my first managerial experience in the middle of the December with all this storm we had around the club, I have to thank the players big time because they have really been right behind us since the day that we jumped through the door, all the staff for their incredible work, and the people upstairs for believing in me and giving me this big honour and this incredible opportunity, and to the fans.

 

"I love this club so much and I know how much it means to them, so hopefully we made them happy and proud today."

 

Having fallen behind after just five minutes, Arteta was delighted with the response from his team as we went on to claim a famous 2-1 victory.

 

"I’m really happy with how the boys reacted," he said. "They kept believing and we probably played the best 35 or 40 minutes since I arrived after conceding the goal against this incredible team.

 

"We got the cup and in the finals we are here to win them. I’m so happy to deliver this to the football club and now let’s move on."

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