Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal have made strides forward this season - both on and off the pitch.

Arsène Wenger’s side secured a place in the top four of the Premier League at the start of the month and will attempt to retain the FA Cup when they play Aston Villa in next weekend’s final.

The club captain is looking forward to another date at Wembley and feels the exemplary attitude of the whole squad has contributed to an encouraging campaign.

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“When I look back at the season, I think we have played some fantastic football,” he told the official matchday programme. “I really liked our first half at home against Liverpool, as well as our win at Manchester City.

“Our performance at home to Manchester United was one of high quality too. How we lost, I don’t know.

“But even after disappointments, the next result has generally been good. We responded to the Manchester United defeat by playing really well against Borussia Dortmund.

“We have progressed a lot off the pitch too. Understanding the function and the demands of the club is very important and I’m pleased with the way every single player in the squad – and this has happened to all of us – has reacted to being rotated at some point in the season.

“Everyone has responded by thinking that they need to improve, that they need to do more. There’s no disappointment – you don’t hear anyone talking badly about the manager’s decision.

“To have a whole squad of that calibre respond in the same way tells me a lot about the quality of the group.

“Now we want to build momentum and the best way to do that is by being consistent on the pitch and winning trophies. We are in a really strong position – I think we are getting better in all areas.

“That evolution must continue because the potential of this club is limitless. Let’s take advantage of that.”