Mikel Arteta has spoken of his pride in beating the "two best teams in Europe" after Arsenal beat Liverpool and Manchester City in the space of four days.
The Gunners pounced on rare defensive errors by Reds duo Virgil van Dijk and Alisson to inflict just a third Premier League defeat of the season on the champions on Wednesday.
And on Saturday, Arteta steered his men to victory over holders Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals, with a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang double capping a hugely impressive Arsenal performance.
Though the Gunners have struggled for consistency throughout the season, Arteta believes the club is moving in the right direction on the pitch in light of recent wins over the top two teams in England.
“Really happy with the last four or five days," the Spaniard said. "We’ve beaten probably the best two teams in Europe.
"I’m really pleased with the players, their performance and the way they are fighting on the pitch.”
Arsenal were well beaten the last time they faced City, with David Luiz sent off during a 3-0 league defeat in June.
But the Brazilian was a defensive stalwart on Saturday evening and Arteta was keen to praise the centre-back, adding: “I didn’t have any doubts about his reaction, he put his hand up after that game.”
The Gunners are currently 10th in the Premier League with two matches to play and their best hope of securing European qualification is through winning the FA Cup.
While Arteta denied that Europa League football would be needed to prompt investment in the transfer market this summer, he admitted it would strengthen Arsenal's financial position.
“We agree with the plan we have in place, the vision is clear,” Arteta said. “It’s about the possibilities we have and at the moment we have some uncertainties.
"If we win it we’ll be in Europe and financially we’ll be stronger so we have to be a little patient.”
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