The FA Cup final four can taste the silverware as Wembley’s semifinal dates beckon.
Manchester United and Chelsea face off on July 18, while Arsenal meet Manchester City on the following day.
For Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, winning a record-extending 14th Cup title for the club is the only way to save a disappointing
season and qualify for the
Europa League next term.
After beating Sheffield United 2-1 to get to the last four, he says: “I am really pleased. This is a difficult place to come and get a win.
“We are back at Wembley. I am really happy with the attitude and performance of the players.
“It is a great opportunity to try to win a trophy and play in
Europe.”
But getting past mentor Pep Guardiola’s City will be a tough job for Arteta’s manne, who are down in ninth in the league.
MATCH: Arsenal and Man City
Holders City are also looking for a silver-plated lining after breezing past Newcastle 2-0, thanks to goals from Raheem Sterling and Kevin de Bruyne, on Sunday night.
Having surrendered their league title to Liverpool, Guardiola is hoping winning the FA Cup final at the start of August, will be the perfect launchpad for their Champions League last-16 second leg against Real Madrid, who they lead 2-1.
And he warns his stars are as hungry as ever, saying: “Always, the hunger is there.
“We play to win. We spoke after what happened in Premier League - we need two more victories to qualify for the Champions League.
“But we have two competitions we can win.We made the first step today. It will be good to arrive against Real Madrid in the best condition.
"To win this title [the FA Cup] would be the best way to prepare for Madrid.”