MIKEL ARTETA knows all about the healing powers of the FA Cup.
And Arsenal’s new boss believes the world’s oldest competition can restore some much needed harmony at the Emirates.
The Spaniard lifted the trophy as Gunners captain in 2014 and was an injured squad member when they won it the following year.
Now Arteta is relying on another winning performance against Championship leaders Leeds to maintain the current feel-good factor.
He said: “I signed for Arsenal the day after our 8-2 defeat at Manchester United and the connection with the supporters was very poor and, of course, that affected us as players.
“It’s impossible to achieve what you want in football without that connection, especially at a club with Arsenal’s history where the people have seen so many great teams and great players.
“When I arrived here we were trying to win the Premier League but didn’t quite have the level to compete for the title every year.
“So the cup competitions became very important and after eight years without winning absolutely anything it was a massive relief when we lifted the Cup in 2014.
“That success generated a really good belief and unity around our team and helped that group of players to achieve more trophies.
“Winning always brings togetherness and when you have beautiful experiences together and you win trophies those shared memories stay within the group.
“You like the people you work with more and you believe more in your team. You become addicts to winning and that’s what we have to try to implement at this club again.”
Arteta, 37, believes it was lifting the FA Cup after the 3-2 win against Hull in 2014 which finally earned him a place in the supporters’ affections.
He added: “When you take the fans to Wembley they are all proud of you. It’s a special day for everyone, they all travel with their families looking for success.
“The history of this club means they are used to winning trophies and when you do that it generates something special.
“So if we can get connected with the fan-base again, that will be a powerful weapon.
“It’s in our own hands. If we can give the supporters what they want, I am sure they will give us even more.
“When we know the fans are behind us, we have to pinch the players to react to them and use them to have a better performance and create more fear for the opponent.”
Yet Arteta’s desire to progress in the FA Cup will not prevent him from making wholesale changes to the team which beat Manchester United at the Emirates on New Year’s Day.
A number of senior stars are in line to be rested while Dani Ceballos and Rob Holding could both return after two months on the sidelines.
