Mikel Arteta has stressed that Sunday’s League Cup final against Manchester City is a key moment for his team to prove they can convert potential into trophies.
The Gunners are on course for a historic quadruple, leading City by nine points in the Premier League and enjoying favourable draws in the Champions League and FA Cup.
Despite this impressive form, Arteta acknowledged the need to overcome their “nearly men” reputation after finishing second in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons.
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“It’s going to be one of the defining moments because at the end of the day it is about whether you win the trophy or not,” Arteta said. “The team has done a lot to get here, but we need to prove that on the pitch.”
Arteta, who took charge of Arsenal in 2019 after serving as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City, has so far won just one major trophy, the 2020 FA Cup final, played behind closed doors due to coronavirus restrictions.
Guardiola, speaking ahead of the final, reflected on his past collaboration with Arteta and downplayed any notion of rivalry. “How I feel about him and the time we had together… that is never going to change,” he said.
Arsenal hope captain Martin Ødegaard and defender Jurrien Timber will recover from injuries sustained in midweek’s 2-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen.
Arteta also declined to confirm who would start in goal, while Guardiola confirmed James Trafford will start for City in the cup final.
The Wembley showdown represents a crucial opportunity for Arsenal to prove they are capable of winning major trophies and cementing their status as title contenders this season.
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