Mikel Arteta has revealed Arsenal want to end their seven-year trophy drought by winning the FA Cup this season.
Spanish midfielder not taking Aston Villa threat lightly
Mikel Arteta has revealed Arsenal want to end their seven-year trophy drought by winning the FA Cup this season.
The 29-year-old joined the Gunners last summer and, after a ponderous start, is now showing the ability that wowed Everton fans for six years.
Aston Villa are their opponents in Sunday's fourth round tie at the Emirates Stadium, and the elegant playmaker is aware this competition represents the Gunners' best chance of success this year.
Arteta has enjoyed mixed fortunes in English football's premier cup competition as, in 2009, he had to watch from the sidelines as Everton lost against Chelsea in the final.
Experiences
However, he is eager to make amends by claiming his first piece of silverware in English football.
"The FA Cup is a big trophy and our challenge is to reach the final," Arteta said in
The People.
"Now we are only focused on Aston Villa, but I certainly dream of playing the final at Wembley.
"With Everton I had more negative experiences than positive in the FA Cup but I remember my first match in the competition.
Dangerous
"The atmosphere was magnificent and that day confirmed for me that the cup is always special.
"Villa have an excellent squad. They are very dangerous and we know it won't be an easy match."
Arsenal have recovered well from a treacherous start to the term and the cultured midfielder is targeting success in the Champions League and FA Cup.
"I am ambitious - I want to win the FA Cup and Champions League," he added.
"It is not easy to adapt to another team quickly. But I'm very demanding and Arsenal fans have not seen the real Mikel Arteta yet."
