Mikel Arteta has challenged his team to go on and win the FA Cup after Arsenal saw off Sheffield United to reach the semi-finals on Sunday.
The Gunners came out 2-1 winners at Bramall Lane after an injury time winner from substitute Dani Ceballos spared them from playing extra time.
Nicolas Pepe put the visitors in front from the penalty spot before half-time, but David McGoldrick equalised with three minutes left only for Ceballos to snatch a last-gasp win for Arteta’s men.
With ninth-placed Arsenal looking unlikely to make the Europa League positions, Arteta knows winning a record 14th FA Cup is their best chance of securing European football next season.
Arteta said: “I am really pleased. Bramall Lane is a difficult place to come and get a win. Now we are back at Wembley and I am really happy with the attitude and performance of the players.
He continued: “It is a great opportunity to try and win a title and play in Europe.
“I can never fault the effort of the players. We still have to improve in many areas, but every win gives you some credit and encouragement.
“Hopefully we can now have some momentum.”
Meanwhile, Sheffield United have now gone four games without a win since restarting their season and are in danger of undoing their impressive form before coronavirus came to England.
Boss Chris Wilder admitted his team was “disappointed” but urged them to work hard in order to regain their momentum from earlier in the season.
Wilder said: “We don't like losing as professionals and we have gone out of the competition. We’re disappointed in their winner because I thought momentum was with us.
He added: “A few things didn't go for us. We lacked that bit of confidence, which happens when you lose games so we have good players who maybe need to believe in themselves a bit more.
“For us to get into this position, we have to show character. There are players who are hurting at the moment. We have had a great run and expectation has gone through the roof.
“Perhaps what we should have done is lose a few games at Christmas and be bottom and then win one – and people would pat us on the back. But I didn't really want to take that approach!”
