Mikel Arteta stresses that past honours do not protect Arsenal, insisting this season’s results will define judgement on the team. As Arsenal prepare for another FA Cup campaign, Arteta repeats that recent achievements matter most, not the memories of lifting the trophy in 2020 at Wembley.
Arsenal now meet Portsmouth in the FA Cup third round, facing the same opponent beaten on the way to that 2020 triumph. This tie carries extra weight, as the club have failed to advance beyond this stage in the previous two seasons.
Those recent exits both came against strong Premier League rivals, Liverpool and Manchester United, underlining the level of opposition faced. Arsenal have not suffered three straight third-round eliminations since a sequence of four,
stretching from the 1938-39 season through to 1947-48, which underlines the historical context.
That earlier period of struggle highlights why Arsenal aim to avoid a similar pattern now. The club’s broader form looks strong, with Arsenal leading the Premier League at present and also sitting top of the Champions League league phase, with two matchdays still remaining in the group schedule.
Arteta has often spoken about the value of trophies, yet is clear that Arsenal target higher levels. The coach is keen to add more silverware, especially major honours, and sees progress in the FA Cup third round as part of that push for sustained success across all competitions.
"At the end, I think we have to get judged, and we get judged for what we do todayand last week is not important," said Arteta. "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 dont expect that, Im 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. And the big ones as well. We want this one for sureand the big ones. That's what we are chasing, thats the purpose of this team. "
The FA Cup Third Round begins here, Gooners Enjoy some of our best snaps from ties in years gone by pic.twitter.com/bPeoMsdQzuArsenal (@Arsenal) January 10, 2026
Arteta’s comments underline a clear message before the Portsmouth tie. Arsenal’s strong league and European positions increase expectations, but the head coach repeats that judgement will arrive in May. Progress from the FA Cup third round would support the club’s wider aims, while another early exit would raise uncomfortable historical comparisons.
