“The Gunners will play in the decisive match of a major tournament for the first time since 2020”, — write: football.ua
Mikel Arteta Getty Images 04 February 2026, 13:14
The match at the Emirates seemed nervous and tactically difficult, but Kai Havertz’s goal in added time finally removed the question of the winner, causing real euphoria in the stands. Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta did not hide his emotions after the final whistle, emphasizing the importance of this result for the team’s psychology.
“There was a special atmosphere in our stadium. It’s so important. We’ve been waiting for a few years to be in this position and we’ll definitely enjoy the final,” said the Spanish specialist.
Arteta used a vivid metaphor when describing the impact of victory on the physical and moral state of players in a tight schedule:
“These are the best vitamins we can get, because we play every three days. But the fact that we worked so hard to reach these moments and experience them together. You can see the joy, the smile, the energy and everything that works in the club,” the coach emphasized.
The players are also experiencing a change in mentality. Midfielder Declan Rice noted that the team no longer wants to put up with the status of those who stop short of the trophy.
“We deserve it. We’ve been at the top of the Premier League for the last three or four years, competing and coming very close but not good enough. That’s why this season we have that extra desire and butterflies in our stomachs to take another step forward,” Rice said.
In the final, which will take place on March 22, Arsenal will meet the winner of the pair Manchester City – Newcastle. For the Gunners, this is a chance to win the League Cup for the first time in 33 years. If City are the opposition, it will be a repeat of the 2018 final, but Arteta will now be looking to avenge his former mentor Pep Guardiola as head coach.