Arsene Wenger credited by Mikel Arteta for “brilliant” FA Cup final speech

Arsene Wenger celebrating with the players after winning the FA Cup

Mikel Arteta paid tribute to manager Arsene Wenger in the wake of Arsenal’s FA Cup Final win over Hull City, telling the club’s official site that the Frenchman gave a “brilliant” halftime speech at 2-1 down to rally his troops.

Arsenal eventually won 3-2, thanks to a second half equaliser from Laurent Koscielny and an extra time winner from Aaron Ramsey and Arteta talked up the role played by the side’s manager.

“The manager’s speech at half-time was brilliant,” said Arteta.

“[He told us] to keep believing in how we should do it and keep performing.

“He told us to stay calm. We had done the most difficult thing, which was to score the first one [after going two down] so now the game was open, we had plenty of time to do it, we could not rush it. It was brilliant, I think the lads continued to play and we showed a lot of experience and composure. I’m really happy, it’s a happy day.”

The Spaniard continued by stressing the impact that the win will have on the club, before targeting more silverware next season.

“I’m glad overall for the players because they deserve it, for the manager and for the club in general and the fans.

“This club has got every resource to do better than what we’ve done in the last nine years so hopefully we can build from here.

“We’ve got some young talent with a lot of experience at their age. So to get through these moments is going to be very important for their careers.”

No Arsenal player made more passes than Arteta in the league this season.