FROM BLUNDER TO BRAZILIANT

MIKEL ARTETA has praised David Luiz for his transformation from liability to leader against Manchester City.

The Brazilian defender was outstanding on Saturday when

Arsenal upset the odds at Wembley.

His display was a far cry from a month ago when he lasted for less than 30 minutes of the Gunners’ 3-0 league defeat to City having come on as a first-half substitute.

Gunners boss Arteta said: “I didn’t have any doubts about his reaction. He put his hand up after that game, he didn’t have to do that because we all make mistakes.

“But the way he’s been performing has been phenomenal. He deserves the praise he gets. I am delighted people see this side of him.”

In that league defeat, Luiz, 33, gifted City one goal before getting himself sent off to earn a three-match ban.

But Arteta added: ”He’s won everything in different countries, he brings that with him. I want him to perform and he’s doing that on the pitch in a really good way. I’m really happy for him.

“He doesn’t need a lot of management. What he needs is us to trust him and the best way to do that is make him play. He has incredible moments and difficult moments in his career, but big athletes go through those moments.”

Arteta believes winning the FA Cup would improve his chances of keeping match-winner Pierre-emerick Aubameyang.

The Gabon striker has about a year left on his contract and wants to see if Arsenal can secure European qualification before deciding on his next move.

Aubameyang, who scored both Arsenal’s goals on Saturday, took his season’s tally to 25 in all competitions and the Gunners will be guaranteed a Europa League place if they can go on and win what will be their 21st FA Cup Final on August 1.

Arteta added: “If we win it we’ll be in Europe and financially we’ll be stronger – so we have to be a little bit patient.

“I think everyone has good moments and bad moments, but the way he looks at it when I speak with him, he sounds pretty convinced.

“But if he can see the success and direction we are taking is the right one, I think he’ll be more positive about it, yes.

“Big players get criticism when things do not work. But he showed against City on the pitch – not talking – what he can do.”