Mike Arteta: ‘Enchanted’ Carabao Cup final ‘ideal boost’ for Arsenal
LONDON — Mikel Arteta has characterized Arsenal’s “magical” accomplishment in reaching the Carabao Cup Final as “the best vitamins we can put in our bodies.”
Substitute Kai Havertz’s goal in stoppage time secured a 1-0 victory over Chelsea on Tuesday, ensuring a 4-2 aggregate triumph that advances them to a major cup final for the first time in six years.
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On a chilly, rainy evening at Emirates Stadium, Chelsea took a cautious stance that turned the match into a battle of attrition but failed to create a scoring opportunity even after bringing on Cole Palmer and Estêvão in the second half.
Blues manager Liam Rosenior faced his first major challenge since taking over from Enzo Maresca last month, while Arteta can now anticipate a Wembley final against either Manchester City or Newcastle United on March 22.
Arsenal’s only trophy under Arteta was the 2020 FA Cup, and they had been eliminated in their four subsequent semifinals prior to this recent victory.
“We’re just one match away,” Arteta stated at a news conference. “It’s the best vitamins we can put in our bodies since we are playing every three days. The effort we put in to reach these moments and share them together is truly magical.
“You can see the joy, the smiles, the energy from everyone at the club. Winning benefits us in every way—confidence, energy, you name it. We will be there in a few weeks, and we will prepare thoroughly.
“In the meantime, we understand that we need to set this aside because in three days we have a crucial Premier League match here against Sunderland.”
Havertz celebrated his goal against his former team by pointing to the Arsenal badge as he was surrounded by teammates, acknowledging a challenging year marked by significant hamstring and knee injuries.
“Not just me, but everyone who knows Kai a bit feels genuinely happy for him in a special way because he deserves the best,” Arteta remarked. “His work ethic, the way he treats others, and his daily conduct are commendable.
“Today was a significant moment for him, and I hope he relished it because he truly deserves it.”
Rosenior later disclosed that Reece James and Pedro Neto did not pass fitness tests on the day of the match and urged his players to recover against Wolves in the Premier League this weekend.
“There are many positive signs,” he noted. “Now I need to see how we respond after a setback. We must react constructively. We have a tough away game against Wolves on Saturday, and I need to observe our response to that.”
