Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal’s dramatic FA Cup semi-final victory over Wigan can provide a springboard to save his club’s season.
Arsene Wenger’s side survived a scare against the holders, equalising eight minutes from full-time through Per Mertesacker before finally winning 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time at Wembley.
Gunners goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski was the hero in Saturday’s shoot-out, with his two saves from Gary Caldwell and Jack Collison while Arsenal converted all four of their spot- kicks.
Spanish midfielder Arteta was one of those successful penalty takers and he hopes the relief of reaching Arsenal’s first FA Cup final since 2005, when they defeated Manchester United to win the club’s last trophy, will give a much- needed morale boost to a squad low on confidence. “It gives us confidence and a little bit of enthusiasm and something to look forward to at the end of the season,” Arteta said.
“I don’t think we were nervous. I think we were concerned because it is a semi-final and small details can be important.
“We were very unlucky to go a goal down but the lads reacted really well. After that we played much better and really went for it.
“We had the chances and were thinking this was not going to be our day, but in the end we have done it.
