Arsenal and Manchester City’s battle moves to Wembley in the Carabao Cup final. The match offers the possibility to strike a psychological blow as the campaign enters its closing phase.
Mikel Arteta’s side currently hold a nine-point lead in the Premier League and a place in the Champions League quarter-finals. Pep Guardiola’s City were eliminated by Real Madrid in Europe’s elite competition for the third time in four seasons.
The two clubs are still involved in the FA Cup, but the first major final of the season is upon us.
It could be the first of three meetings between the pair before the season is out, with a huge league match at Etihad Stadium in April and a potential FA Cup tie.
Arteta Aims to Shed ‘Nearly But Not Quite’ Tag
Arsenal will be desperate to shed their tag as the side that has come up short in recent years. The Gunners are seeking a first piece of silverware since they beat Chelsea in the 2020 FA Cup final.
Since Arteta last tasted success, Arsenal have lost in the Europa League semi-final to Villarreal in 2021, EFL Cup semi-finals in 2022 and 2025 to Liverpool and Newcastle United respectively, as well as last season’s Champions League semi-final against eventual winners Paris St-Germain.
Arteta must also release Guardiola’s stranglehold, having only won four of their past 16 meetings against him – including the Community Shield in 2023 – while losing nine.
Guardiola’s Recent Trophy Haul
In the same period since Arteta’s last trophy, Guardiola has a trophy haul of the Champions League, four Premier League titles, the FA Cup and the EFL Cup, as well as the Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup.
Upson: Arteta Needs This Win More
Former Arsenal and England defender Matt Upson said Arteta needs the win most. He believes that Arteta has not won enough trophies in his time at Arsenal for how well they have done.
Upson added that it has been a case of “nearly but not quite” for Arteta after the seasons in which they have finished second in the Premier League. He stated that this is a big one for Arteta because he needs to put some silverware in the trophy cabinet.
Upson also said that the overall pressure is on Arteta, but it is also fair to say the short-term pressure is on Guardiola and that it is very important City get that win.
Arsenal have finally broken that pattern to reach a final.