Mikel Arteta has issued a rallying cry to Arsenal supporters to "attack the final" alongside his players as the Gunners prepare for a season-defining Carabao Cup final against Manchester City. While Arsenal currently sits nine points clear at the top of the Premier League, the ghost of three consecutive second-place finishes looms large. Sunday at Wembley represents the first opportunity for this squad to prove they can finally cross the finish line.
It has been six years since Arsenal last lifted major silverware, Arteta’s 2020 FA Cup triumph, an achievement that famously took place in an empty stadium. This time, the manager is counting on the "noise" of a packed Wembley to bridge the gap.
The stakes could not be higher. Arsenal remains in contention for an unprecedented quadruple, with favorable draws in the Champions League and FA Cup quarterfinals complementing their league dominance. However, Arteta remained "on guard" when asked about the four-trophy pursuit.
The fact that we are at the end of March and we are in four competitions tells a lot about the team. Now it’s about the next step, the next game and the defining moments. When you have gone years without winning a trophy, obviously it adds more necessity, but as well more drive because you really want it.
Mikel Arteta, Manager, Arsenal
The final provides another chapter in the evolving relationship between Arteta and his mentor, Pep Guardiola. While Guardiola acknowledged that their relationship has changed now that they are direct title rivals, Arteta was quick to remind the media of the debt he owes the City boss.
Inspiration: Arteta described Guardiola as his inspiration "since I was little."
Divide: "He’s in Manchester, I’m in London. We are managing two different clubs. We cannot spend time together... but what I feel about him is never going to change."
Goalkeeper duel: While Pep has shown his cards by starting James Trafford, Arteta is keeping City guessing between the Premier League-hardened David Raya and cup-specialist Kepa Arrizabalaga.
For Arsenal, Sunday is about more than just a trophy; it is about psychological warfare. Having been labeled "nearly men" following recent late-season stumbles in the Premier League, a win over their closest rivals at Wembley would be a massive statement of intent for the remaining three competitions.
Major trophy drought: Arsenal’s last major trophy was the 2020 FA Cup.
City’s rotation: Gianluigi Donnarumma will remain on the bench as City stick with their domestic cup rotation policy.
Fan impact: Arteta’s message to the traveling North Londoners: "Be with us, push for every ball, for every action... together attack the final."
Current form: Arsenal enters the final following a clinical 2-0 win over Everton, while City is looking to bounce back from a draw against West Ham.
