After a six-year wait and four previous attempts ending in semi-final defeats, Arsenal are heading back to a major final. A 4-2 aggregate victory over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final has secured their place in the showpiece event, marking their first final appearance under Mikel Arteta since the 2020 FA Cup triumph – and only their second during his tenure.
The decisive moment came in injury time at the Emirates Stadium, as Kai Havertz found the back of the net, sparking jubilant celebrations from players and fans alike. While the match itself was described as “tight, tense and pretty dull at times,” the significance of the result was undeniable.
Arsenal largely controlled the contest, managing to limit Chelsea to just two shots on target throughout the match. Their ability to remain resolute and difficult to break down proved crucial in securing their progression.
The Gunners will now face either Manchester City or Newcastle United in the EFL Cup final on at Wembley. Should they meet Manchester City, it would be a repeat of the 2018 final, a match won by City when Arteta was a member of Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff.
Beyond the opportunity for revenge against City and the chance to win their first League Cup in 33 years, this final represents a potential turning point for Arteta’s Arsenal. It’s a chance to dispel the narrative of being “nearly men” and demonstrate their ability to consistently compete at the highest level.
Arteta himself emphasized the special atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium, stating, “There was a special atmosphere inside our stadium. It makes such a difference. We’ve been waiting a few years to get into this position and we’re certainly going to enjoy it [the final].” He also highlighted the positive impact of reaching this stage, describing it as “the best vitamins that You can put in our bodies because we’re playing every three days.”
Midfielder Declan Rice echoed Arteta’s sentiments, expressing the team’s determination to finally break through. “We deserve it,” he said. “The last three or four years we’ve been at the top of the Premier League, competing and got really close but haven’t been good enough. That’s why this season we have that extra desire and fire in our bellies to go one step further in every competition. There’s a long way to go but to be in a cup final with this club is amazing.”
The journey under Arteta has been characterized by near misses, both in domestic cup competitions and in the Premier League. This final appearance feels like a culmination of the foundations he has been building, a testament to the ethos and togetherness he has fostered within the squad, as former Arsenal defender Matt Upson observed on BBC Radio 5 Live.
The path to the final wasn’t without its challenges. Arsenal were without three key players for the clash against Chelsea, including Saka, though the specific details of their absences were not provided.
Interestingly, the news of Arsenal’s cup run coincided with a significant development for N’Golo Kanté. His contract with a Saudi Arabian club was reportedly ripped up, leaving his future uncertain. However, this development is separate from Arsenal’s success and does not directly impact their preparations for the final.
Guardiola, meanwhile, has downplayed any talk of trophies as he focuses on the continued growth of Manchester City, potentially offering a contrasting approach to Arteta’s more demonstrative celebrations. This suggests a different mindset as City potentially prepares for a rematch with Arsenal.
For Arsenal, the Carabao Cup final represents more than just a chance to win silverware. It’s an opportunity to validate their progress under Arteta, silence their critics, and finally deliver a trophy to the Emirates faithful. The match on March 22nd promises to be a captivating encounter, with the Gunners eager to prove they are no longer just “nearly men” but genuine contenders for major honors.
