LONDON — Mikel Arteta hailed Arsenal’s “magical” achievement of reaching the Arsenal Carabao Cup Final, calling it “the best vitamins we can put in our bodies.”
A crucial stoppage-time goal from substitute Kai Havertz secured a 1-0 victory over Chelsea, completing a 4-2 aggregate win and ensuring Arsenal’s place in a major cup final for the first time in six years.
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On a chilly, rainy evening at the Emirates Stadium, Chelsea took a cautious stance, making it a tightly contested match. Despite bringing on players like Cole Palmer and Estêvão in the second half, they couldn’t create any significant threat.
This marked a tough moment for Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior, facing his first major disappointment since taking over from Enzo Maresca last month. Meanwhile, Arteta now anticipates a showdown at Wembley against either Manchester City or Newcastle United on March 22.
Under Arteta, Arsenal’s only previous trophy was the 2020 FA Cup, and this victory breaks a streak of four consecutive semifinal defeats.
“We’re just one match away,” Arteta stated during the news conference. “It’s the best energy boost we can provide ourselves since we’re playing every three days. The effort we’ve collectively put in has made these moments truly special.”
“You can see the joy and energy from everyone at the club. Winning boosts confidence and positivity. We’ll prepare well for Wembley in a few weeks.”
“However, we need to put this aside since we have a significant Premier League match coming up against Sunderland in just three days.”
Havertz celebrated his winning goal by pointing to the Arsenal crest, embraced by teammates in recognition of what has been a challenging year for him due to serious hamstring and knee injuries.
“Not just me, but everyone who knows Kai is genuinely happy for him,” Arteta commented. “He deserves all the best for how he works and treats others every day.”
“Today’s moment was special for him, and I hope he truly enjoyed it because he has earned it.”
After the match, Rosenior reported that Reece James and Pedro Neto were unable to pass fitness tests before the game, and he urged his team to respond positively against Wolves in their next Premier League match.
“There are certainly encouraging signs,” he noted. “Now I want to see how we respond after this setback. We have a tough away game against Wolves on Saturday, and I need to see our reaction.”