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Arsenal secure Carabao Cup final spot with late winner
Arsenal will play in their first major final since 2020 after a tense 4-2 aggregate victory over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final. A last-gasp goal from Kai Havertz sent the Emirates Stadium into celebration, marking the end of a six-year wait for a Wembley showpiece.
Arteta's side break semi-final curse
Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal had lost four consecutive semi-finals since their 2020 FA Cup triumph. Tuesday's win not only books their place in the final but also provides a psychological lift after years of near-misses. The Gunners will face either Manchester City or Newcastle on 22 March, with a chance to claim their first League Cup in 33 years.
A match described as tense and at times uneventful saw both teams manage just two shots on target each. Arsenal's resilience, however, proved decisive, with Havertz's injury-time strike sparking jubilant scenes among players and fans.
Momentum builds for Premier League leaders
With a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League, Arsenal's cup run could provide crucial momentum. Midfielder Declan Rice emphasized the team's hunger: "We've been at the top for years but haven't been good enough. This season, we have that extra desire to go further in every competition."
Arteta echoed the sentiment, calling the final "the best vitamins" for a squad playing every three days. "The joy and energy in the stadium-it's magical," he said. "We've worked hard for these moments."
Silverware could fuel bigger ambitions
While the Carabao Cup is not Arsenal's primary target, early success could ease pressure in the title race. Former defender Matt Upson told BBC Radio 5 Live: "Fans want a Premier League title, but winning a trophy is a big step toward that goal. The momentum from Wembley could be massive."
Defender William Saliba added: "We play for pressure. We have the squad and coach to win every competition." Historically, seven of the last 12 EFL Cup winners have gone on to lift at least one other trophy in the same season.
Quadruple talk resurfaces-but Arteta stays grounded
With 17 weeks until the Champions League final, Arsenal's unbeaten run in Europe and domestic dominance have reignited dreams of an unprecedented quadruple. No English team has ever won all four major trophies in a single season, though Manchester City came closest in 2018-19.
Arteta's side are already through to the Champions League last 16 and face Wigan in the FA Cup fourth round. However, the manager dismissed talk of a quadruple: "We're focused on the next game. Fans can dream, but we take it step by step."
What's next?
Arsenal's final opponents will be decided on Wednesday when Manchester City host Newcastle. A potential rematch of the 2018 final-won by City-would add extra spice to the Wembley clash.
