Arsenal are into the FA Cup final after beating Manchester City 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday night.
The Gunners lost 3-0 at City in the Premier League last month, but Mikel Arteta had his revenge over former mentor Pep Guardiola.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang bagged both goals, with his opener coming with a back-post finish from a superb Nicolas Pepe cross.
Arsenal were strong and resilient throughout, and hit City on the break in the second half as Aubameyang raced clear to make it 2-0.
Arteta’s side kept a clean sheet as they frustrated City, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles turning in a great defensive display.
Maitland-Niles will be sold this summer according to Bleacher Report, but Arteta gave him a chance to shine on Saturday – and boy did he take it.
With Riyad Mahrez cutting in on his left foot, Arteta wisely used right-footed Maitland-Niles as a left wing back, meaning Maitland-Niles was always comfortable with Mahrez moving in towards his stronger side.
Maitland-Niles recorded five clearances and two tackles, whilst he showed his quality on the ball with three successful dribbles – the most of any Arsenal player.
Maybe Maitland-Niles will now be able to save his Arsenal career after all, and Gunners legend Ian Wright took to Twitter to ‘big up’ the 22-year-old.
Wright also offered massive praise for David Luiz, as well as Emiliano Martinez, Shkodran Mustafi, Kieran Tierney and Hector Bellerin as Arsenal unexpectedly reached the final.
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