“We will get judged for what we are able to do at the end of the season” : Mikel Arteta says Arsenal want to win the FA Cup

Arsenal will travel to Portsmouth for the FA Cup third round fixture on Sunday. The Gunners come into the fixture on the back of 0-0 draw with Liverpool in the Premier League. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta stated that his team will be judged on the basis of what they would achieve at the end of the season.

Mikel Arteta stated that his team would certainly want to win the FA Cup, as they are still alive in all four competitions this season. Arsenal are currently at the top of the Premier League table, with a six-point lead over Manchester City. They are also at the top of the UCL standings, winning all of their six matches.

“We want that one for sure (the FA Cup) and all the big ones,” said Arteta. “And that’s what we are chasing and that’s the purpose of this team. At the end, we get judged for what we do today. Last week is not important. We will get judged for what we are able to do at the end of the season.“

“One thing is the trophies for our football clubs and many other things that you have to do in a football club, especially in the situation we are in. “I don’t expect that. I’m really happy where I am with the people that I work with and hopefully at least they know that we will give our very best to try to win as much as possible,” Arteta added.

Arsenal have not lost a match against Portsmouth since 1958. Mikel Arteta is expected to rotate his squad for the FA Cup fixture in a busy month, where Arsenal play nine matches. Mikel Arteta also gave an update on Kai Havertz who has not featured since the opening day of the season. The German was recovering from a knee injury, and is expected to play a part in Sunday’s fixture against Portsmouth.

“I think he’s going to be in the squad again. He is training well, he’s increased his load and he’s coping with that really well. And it will be great if we can have him back,” added Arteta.