Mikel Arteta: ‘Enchanting’ 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, confirming a 4-2 aggregate triumph that earned them a place in a major cup final for the first time in six years.
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On a chilly and rainy evening at Emirates Stadium, Chelsea took a cautious stance, resulting in a hard-fought contest but failing to pose a goal threat 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 because we’re playing every three days. The effort we put in to reach these moments and to share them together is truly magical.
“You can see the joy, the smiles, the energy from everyone associated with the club. Winning benefits us in every way. Confidence, energy, however you want to describe 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 three days later we have a crucial match here in the Premier League [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 little, we feel genuinely pleased for him in a special way because he deserves the best,” Arteta remarked. “The way he works, treats others, and conducts himself every single day is commendable.
“Today was a special 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 morning of the match and urged his players to recover against Wolves in the Premier League this weekend.
“There are many positive signs,” he stated. “Now I need to observe how we respond after a setback. We must react positively. We have a tough away game against Wolves on Saturday, and I need to see our response to that.”
