Mikel Arteta said Sunday’s League Cup final against Manchester City would be a defining moment for Arsenal as they look to shed their ‘almost men’ label.
The Gunners are on course for an unprecedented quadruple, moving nine points clear of second-placed City in the Premier League and with favorable quarter-final finishes in the Champions League and FA Cup.
But after three consecutive second-place finishes in the Premier League, Arteta acknowledged his side must prove they can get over the line.
«It will be one of the decisive moments because in the end it’s about whether you win the trophy or not,» the Spaniard said on Friday.
“That is the most important thing when you reach the final.
«But to be there you have to do a lot of things. There are a lot of things that the team has done so far, but we have to prove that point, that’s clear, and it has to be done on the pitch.»
READ ALSO: Trafford will start for Manchester City in the final, Guardiola confirms
Arteta has transformed Arsenal’s fortunes since leaving his job as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at City to take charge of the Emirates in 2019.
But he has won just one major trophy during his reign, leading his team to FA Cup glory in 2020 at an empty Wembley during coronavirus restrictions.
Guardiola said in his own pre-match press conference that his relationship with Arteta had changed over time, but played down discussion of any friction now that they are title rivals.
The Arsenal boss said he is forever grateful for the opportunity he was given alongside Guardiola early in his coaching career.
“The fact that we are never together and can never spend time together is important in our relationship, but not the most important thing,” said Arteta.
“The way I feel about him and the time we had together and what he did for me, the inspiration he has been… that will never change.”
Arteta hopes captain Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber will be fit enough for the Wembley final after missing the 2-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen in midweek due to injury.
And he refused to confirm who would start in goal.
Guardiola said James Trafford will keep his place for City in place of number one Gianluigi Donnarumma after appearing in all of his side’s domestic cup games this season.
Kepa Arrizabalaga has played most of Arsenal’s cup games but plays second fiddle to David Raya in the Premier League and Champions League.
Published on March 20, 2026
