Mikel Arteta has ignited belief within Arsenal ahead of their high-stakes Carabao Cup final clash with Manchester City.
With the first major silverware of the 2025/26 season on the line, the North London giants head into Sunday’s showdown brimming with confidence.
From the training ground to the dressing room, Arteta described the mood as focused and energized, as preparations enter their final phase.
“For me, [Sunday is just to win a trophy], that’s it. For me, that’s it,” he said.
“All the preparation and all the enjoyment in the next 48 hours to get to Wembley in the best possible way, we’re really prepared and confident that we’re going to make it happen. I’m excited, enthusiastic, and positive.
“[This is] one of the defining moments because at the end, it’s whether you win the trophy or not – and that’s the most important thing once you get to the final.
“But in order to be there, you have to do a lot of things and earn a lot of things as the team has done so far. So, we need to prove that point, that’s clear, and that has to be done on the pitch.”
Heading into yet another Wembley appearance, Arteta brings a perfect personal record at the iconic stadium: both as a player and a manager.
That winning experience, coupled with the occasion, has only heightened anticipation within the squad.
Meanwhile, the Arsenal boss has called on supporters to play their part, urging them to recreate the electric atmosphere that has defined past finals.
“I’ve won [trophies] when the stadium is full and been part of that, and it’s exceptional.
“One of the best memories I have as a player is playing those types of games. That’s why we’re all very excited, because we know what’s at stake.
“We really want it and we know what it’s going to mean for our people as well.”
As kickoff approaches, the gaffer remains focused not just on the final itself but on the bigger picture: building momentum and sustaining progress at the club.
“We are very excited about what we’re doing and we need to continue to make the right strides. Especially, performing in the right way when those moments come.
“To achieve what we want, to start to build the momentum that we want as a club.
“When you have been in this position and gone years without winning a trophy, obviously it adds more necessity but as well more drive because you really want it. And that’s something that we have.
“That is something really important for us and something that we’ve been trying to achieve for a while – and now we have the opportunity to do it.”
All in all, Arsenal head into the final with belief, momentum, and a clear objective.
However, standing in their way is a formidable Manchester City side: setting the stage for a thrilling battle where only one team will lift the trophy.
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