Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal’s victory against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final can provide the “vitamins” for them to finally win silverware this season.
A stoppage-time strike from Kai Havertz sealed a nervous 4-2 aggregate victory against his former club to book a place in the final next month against Manchester City or Newcastle at Wembley.
It will be Arsenal’s first final since they won the FA Cup in Arteta’s first season in charge, with his side still in contention to win an unprecedented quadruple. Arsenal are six points clear at the top of the Premier League after finishing as runners‑up for the past three seasons and Arteta is hoping that their victory against Chelsea will only help to build momentum.
“We’re only one match away,” the Arsenal manager said. “It’s the best vitamins that we can put in our bodies because we’re playing every three days. But the fact that you worked so hard to achieve those moments and to have these moments together is just magical. You can see the joy, the smile, the energy and everything that works at the club. Looking forward to it.”
Declan Rice was also adamant that Arsenal are determined not to make the same mistakes as in previous campaigns. “We have a group who really want it. Whatever team comes at us, we’re ready for it,” the England midfielder said.
“The last three or four years we’ve been at the top of the Premier League competing and got really close but haven’t been good enough. That’s why this season we have that extra desire and fire in our bellies to go one step further in every competition. There’s a long way to go but to be in a cup final with this club is amazing.”
Liam Rosenior rued Chelsea’s defeat after he was forced into a tactical change when the captain, Reece James, and Pedro Neto were both ruled out because of injuries.
“They were just in too much pain for tonight,” the Chelsea head coach said. “We’ve had a lot to contend with over the last couple of days and I have to give the players so much credit. The spirit was there but unfortunately for us we didn’t take advantage of the quality moments that we had.”
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