Mikel Arteta has praised David Luiz for his transformation from liability to leader against Manchester City.
The Brazilian defender was outstanding on Saturday as Arsenal upset the odds at Wembley.
His display was a far cry from a month ago when he lasted less than 30 minutes of the Gunners’ 3-0 League defeat to City after coming on as a first-half substitute.
Arteta said: "I didn't have any doubts about his reaction. He put his hand up after that game, he didn't have to do that because we all make mistakes.
"But the way he's been performing has been phenomenal. He deserves the praise he gets. I am delighted people see this side of him.”
In that League defeat, Luiz gifted City one goal before getting himself sent off to earn a three match ban.
But Arteta added: ”He's won everything in different countries, he brings that with him, I want him to perform and he's doing that on the pitch in a really good way. I'm really happy for him.
"He doesn't need a lot of management. What he needs is us to trust him and the best way to do that is make him play, he has incredible moments and difficult moments in his career, but big athletes go through those moments.” Arteta also believes winning the FA Cup will boost the club's chances of keeping matchwinner Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The Gabon marksman’s current deal is due to expire in 2021 and he is keen to see if the club can secure European qualification before deciding on his next move.
Aubameyang, who scored twice to complete Arsenal’s win, took his season's tally to 25 in all competitions and the Gunners will be guaranteed a Europa League place if they can go on and win what will be their 21st Final on August 1.
Arteta said: "If we win it we'll be in Europe and financially we'll be stronger - so we have to be a little bit patient.
"I think everyone has good moments and bad moments, but the way he looks at it when I speak with him (his future), he sounds pretty convinced.
"But if he can see the success and direction we are taking is the right one, I think he'll be more positive about it, yes.
"Big players get criticism when things don't work. But he showed against City on the pitch - not talking - what he can do.”
