Arteta: Cup success crucial for Gunners

Mikel Arteta believes winning the FA Cup would mark ‘a turning point’ in Arsenal’s history and says their draw at Bayern Munich can spur them on for the remainder of the season.

Arsene Wenger’s side exited the Champions League at the last 16 stage on Tuesday night as a 1-1 draw at the Allianz Arena was not enough to prevent a 3-1 aggregate defeat to a side who are sweeping all before them at home and abroad. But the club’s focus is now firmly on ending their nine-year trophy drought by winning the FA Cup — while Arteta, pictured right, also believes strong showings against Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City could give them a chance of winning the Premier League.

Arsenal face Wigan at Wembley in their FA Cup semi-final on April 12, and with the other semi-final being contested by Hull City and Sheffield United they are odds-on favourites to claim their first piece of silverware since 2005. And Arteta says it is impossible to underestimate the impact that would have on a club that has struggled to compete at the top level since making the decision to build the Emirates Stadium.