Mikel Arteta assessed the prep for the Carabao Cup final between Arsenal and Manchester City.
The Gunners are going for their first major honour since lifting the FA Cup trophy in August 2020. The manager must attend to several selection dilemmas for the big day, and the debate around his choice of Spanish shot stopper caught the attention of the media in his pre-match press conference on Friday, March 21.
‘We really trust our teammates’
Ben White and Eberechi Eze featured at right back and attacking midfielder respectively in the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 tie against Bayer Leverkusen in midweek. The first-choice options from last campaign were both absent with injuries, and their availability is in doubt for Sunday, March 23.
“We have another training session [on Saturday], so the ones that are in contention hopefully can give us good news. We have another session, so let’s see if [Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber] make it."
“Especially because everybody has been involved in the competition, and on the last day when you have the option to be at Wembley, not to give the opportunity for someone to be there, it’s difficult. So, yes, [the challenge of picking the matchday squad] is something to think about."
A big debate for the Gunners involves which Spaniard starts as their shot stopper at the back. David Raya has been a reliable figure for the group, forcing Kepa Arrizabalaga to accept minutes as a second choice shot stopper in the cup competitions. Logic might dictate that Raya would reprise his role in a game where silverware is on the line, but the words of his compatriot indicate that might not be the case.
“We will see how everybody is [after training on Saturday], and then we’ll make the decision [on if Kepa Arrizabalaga] starts."
“Especially if you talk to the goalkeeping coaches, [goalkeepers] are very special because they are always different; it's a position that is very specific. There is a lot of history about that that is very related to how people have made decisions in the past and when something different happens, it sounds different at least. But we don't know how it's going to be in 10 or 20 years' time."
“We don't have that feeling amongst players [that changing the goalkeeper will make a difference]. We really trust our teammates and in that case especially when you work with the quality of the keepers that we have right now at Arsenal. They played at the highest level with other clubs and they have the experience to deal with any kind of situation.
The concept of finishers has been an important piece of the puzzle for the side’s success this season: just last weekend Viktor Gyokeres and Max Dowman grabbed late goals as substitutes against Everton. So, whoever plays from the first whistle at Wembley Stadium, every individual has a part to play on Sunday, March 23.
“Players have to perform daily at this level, but when it comes to the crucial moments and the moments to attack a trophy to take it and bring it home. That’s when you need players to step up and make the difference - that’s clear.
“I don't think you need a lot of motivation to play a final and to play a final in Wembley. And anybody who has been involved knows that there are a lot of elements that are very important to manage and to dominate in a final that we will discuss for sure.
“You live the moment and the present that much, that's the only focus that you can put in. Obviously you can imagine how nice it would be on Sunday when you win it and we are all together and seeing it with our fans it would be a massive energy boost and belief for everybody and that's why we want it so much."
‘It’s one of the defining moments’
For the longest time, Arteta has been under pressure to prove that he can take the team over the line. They have finished as runners-up in the Premier League for three years on the bounce, bowed out of the Champions League semi-final last season, and have underwhelmed in domestic cup competitions.
“For me, [just to win a trophy], that’s it. For me, that’s it. All the preparation and all the enjoyment in the next 48 hours to get to Wembley in the best possible way, really prepared and confident that we’re going to make it happen.
“It’s 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.
"We know what's at stake. We really want it and we know what it's going to mean for our people."
The manager is also unbeaten across his career with the Gunners in trips to Wembley for the FA Cup final and Community Shield. He hopes the extension of this run would mark a new moment for the club.
“I’ve [won at Wembley] 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 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.
“[Making more finals] is what we want, and the fact that we are at the end of March, and we are in four competitions, tells a lot about the team. But as I said, now it’s about the next step; the next game. At the defining moment, at the end, you need certain moments to go your way. Especially, you need to make it happen in the way you approach those games, and make decisions that are going to impact the game.
“There is a lot to do in my opinion, but 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.”
