Arteta Aims for Silverware as Arsenal Prepares for FA Cup Clash

Mikel Arteta has articulated that the primary objective of Arsenal is to secure silverware, acknowledging that his season will be evaluated based on the number of trophies won by the club.

Arsenal is set to initiate their FA Cup campaign with a third-round match against Portsmouth this Sunday, as they continue to compete on all four fronts. Currently, Arteta’s squad holds a six-point advantage in the Premier League and remains the only team in the Champions League with a perfect record, having won all six of their matches so far.

Following their fixture at Fratton Park, Arsenal will head to Chelsea for the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday.

Arteta’s first and only silverware during his tenure came in the disrupted 2020 season, his inaugural year in charge of the Gunners, where they triumphed over Portsmouth in the fifth round and subsequently defeated Chelsea at an empty Wembley.

“We certainly want the FA Cup and all the major trophies,” Arteta stated. “That is our pursuit and the fundamental aim of this team. At the end of the day, we are assessed based on our current performance. What happened last week is irrelevant; we will be judged on our outcomes at the conclusion of the season.

“While trophies are paramount for football clubs, there are numerous other responsibilities that must be fulfilled, particularly given our current circumstances. I don’t have any expectations. I am content with my position and the team I work with, and I hope they recognize our commitment to striving for excellence and securing as many victories as possible.”

Arteta led Arsenal to a 2-0 victory over Portsmouth, marking their final match before the country entered lockdown nearly six years ago. Eleven days post-victory, it was confirmed that Arteta had contracted Covid-19.

Reflecting on that match, Arteta noted, “I wasn’t feeling well, to be honest. The moment we scored, I was eager to return home because I was trembling and unwell. But that was a long time ago.”

Arsenal has maintained an unbeaten streak against Portsmouth since 1958, and Arteta is expected to rotate his squad during this busy month with three out of nine matches scheduled.

In transfer news, Arsenal is reportedly interested in Newcastle’s Livramento, and sources indicate that Bukayo Saka is poised to sign a new five-year deal with the club. Kai Havertz, who has been sidelined since the season opener due to knee surgery, is anticipated to feature against the Championship side.

Arteta remarked, “Whenever a player has the opportunity to wear our jersey and compete for us, the expectation is excellence, and Kai understands that. I believe he will be included in the squad again. He has been training effectively, has increased his workload, and is managing it well. It would be fantastic to have him back.”

Unfortunately, Riccardo Calafiori, Cristhian Mosquera, and Max Dowman will be unavailable, while Piero Hincapié remains a doubt after being substituted during Arsenal’s goalless draw against Liverpool on Thursday.