Arteta Demands Arsenal 'Attack' Carabao Cup Final to End Trophy Drought
Mikel Arteta has issued a rallying cry to Arsenal supporters, urging them to "attack the final" alongside his players as they prepare to face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley this Sunday. The Premier League leaders are chasing four trophies this season, but it has been almost six years since their last major silverware—the FA Cup victory in Arteta's debut season as manager in 2020.
Drive Fueled by Years Without Silverware
Arteta emphasized that the prolonged trophy drought has intensified the team's determination. "When you have been in this position and [gone] years without winning a trophy, obviously it adds more necessity, but as well more drive because you really want it," he stated. "That is something really important for us and something that we've been trying to achieve for a while, and I know we have the opportunity to do it."
Unlike the 2020 FA Cup win, which occurred without fans due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this final will feature a vocal Arsenal crowd. Arteta called on supporters to "be with us, push for every ball, for every action" and to collectively "show how much we really want it and together attack the final."
Focus on the Present, Not Quadruple Talk
Despite Arsenal's contention in four competitions, Arteta revealed that his squad is not discussing the possibility of a quadruple. "No, because we know that we need to go game by game and trophy by trophy," he explained. "The fact that we are at the end of March and we are in four competitions tells a lot about the team. As I said, now it's about the next step, the next game and the defining moments."
Arteta remained guarded about whether a win would herald a new era for Arsenal, stressing a focus on the present. "You live the moment and the present ... that's the only focus that you can put in," he noted.
Goalkeeper and Injury Uncertainties
In contrast to Pep Guardiola, who confirmed James Trafford will start for Manchester City, Arteta declined to disclose his goalkeeper choice. While David Raya is the primary option, Kepa Arrizabalaga has been preferred in domestic cup matches, leaving the decision shrouded in mystery.
Arteta also provided updates on key players:
- Martin Ødegaard: Has been sidelined since February with a knee injury.
- Jurriën Timber: Forced off in the first half against Everton last weekend.
"We have another session tomorrow, so let's see if they can make it," Arteta said regarding their availability.
Relationship with Guardiola Remains Strong
Reflecting on his past as an assistant coach under Guardiola at Manchester City, Arteta affirmed that their relationship remains positive. "The feelings from my side hasn't changed at all," he shared. "He's in Manchester, I'm in London. We are managing two different clubs. We cannot spend time together. That's important in our relationship, but it's not the most important thing. Because what I feel about him and the time that we had together and what he did for me, the inspiration has been since I was little for me. That's never going to change."
As Arsenal gears up for this crucial final, the combination of fan support, player focus, and managerial strategy will be pivotal in their quest to end the trophy drought and potentially kickstart a successful period for the club.
