Mikel Arteta believes reaching the Carabao Cup final is the ultimate reward for the hard work his team has invested over the years. Following a special night at the Emirates Stadium, the Spaniard showered supporters with praise as the Gunners finally broke their semi-final hoodoo to secure a date at Wembley on March 22.
Holding a slender lead from the first leg, Arsenal navigated a tense encounter before Kai Havertz rounded Robert Sanchez in stoppage time to seal a 4-2 aggregate victory. The late winner was Havertz’s second goal since returning from a long-term injury, providing a moment of “immense pleasure” for his manager.
“I think overall, on the two legs, the team was extraordinary,” Arteta remarked after the final whistle. He noted that after falling twice at this stage in 2022 and 2025, his side fully deserved their place in the final for the first time in nearly a decade.
The boss emphasized the emotional weight of the victory, citing the “big smiles and energy” in the dressing room as a testament to the club’s collective effort. For Arteta, the upcoming final represents a vital chance to “make history” by winning the competition for the first time since 1993.
With the atmosphere at the Emirates described as “amazing,” the North Londoners now head to the capital with eyes firmly fixed on their first piece of silverware since 2020. Arteta concluded by urging his players to enjoy the milestone before focusing on the high-stakes challenge that awaits at Wembley.
