Arsenal have beaten Manchester City 2-0 to reach the FA Cup final.A few weeks back, that was a scoreline many would have thought impossible, especially after the Gunners' 3-0 loss at the Etihad back in June.But Mikel Arteta's side look a completely different animal these days, one capable of defending like a unit and nullifying the best attacks in world football.At the back is where the team has improved the most, of that there is no doubt. Arteta's insistence on defensive solidity has paid dividends over the past four days especially.But the Spanish manager is also having a profound impact over the team's ability to attack and carve opposing defences open.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's first goal against City was living proof of that fact.The build-up player prior to Nicolas Pepe delicately lofting the ball into the path of the Gabonese striker was poetry in motion.You can watch the full sequence below.
Are we sure it wasn't Pep Guardiola's Man City in the red and white shirts?!
The passing and movement from every player was perfect, with everyone in a red and white shirt showing a calmness on the ball that has eluded Arsenal in the past.
After the game, David Luiz was asked for his thoughts on the goal, with the Brazilian saying: "That’s why I say it’s part of a process. We could do more in the game, so it’s maybe easier & don’t run a lot, but the other team is miles away in front of us, but we were humble. We can hurt the opponent & we did it.”
For the first time in years, it feels like Arsenal are finally back on the road to success.