Arsenal’s Carabao Cup Final Spot “Magical,” Arteta Says, Calling It “Best Vitamins” for Season Push
LONDON — Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hailed his team’s progression to the Carabao Cup final as a “magical” milestone that will inject much‑needed confidence and momentum into a packed season. Arteta described the achievement as “the best vitamins we can put in our bodies” after substitute Kai Havertz scored a dramatic late goal to secure a 1‑0 win over Chelsea, sealing a 4‑2 aggregate victory in the semi‑final.
The victory marks Arsenal’s return to a major domestic final for the first time in six years, underlining the club’s resurgence under Arteta’s leadership. The Spaniard, speaking at a post‑match news conference, emphasized how important the Cup run could be for a squad competing on multiple fronts this season.
🥇 A Goal That Turned the Tie
In front of a passionate Emirates Stadium crowd on a cold, rain‑swept night, Arsenal and Chelsea battled in an attritional encounter that lacked clear chances for long stretches. Chelsea’s cautious approach — despite introducing attacking options such as Cole Palmer and Estêvão — failed to break the deadlock.
Deep into stoppage time, Havertz, who spent part of his career with Chelsea, calmly rounded goalkeeper Robert Sánchez and finished to spark jubilant scenes among Arsenal fans and players alike. The goal not only sealed Arsenal’s place in the final but also saw a moment of personal triumph for Havertz, who has battled injuries throughout the past year.
🔥 “Vitamins” for Confidence and Energy
Arteta, reflecting on the impact of the win, said the result would provide the squad with much‑needed energy and belief as they navigate an intense schedule. “We’re only one match away,” he told reporters. “It’s the best vitamins that we can put in our bodies because we’re playing every three days. But…the fact that we worked so hard to achieve those moments and to have these moments together is just magical.”
He pointed to the visible joy among players, staff and supporters as a key benefit, stressing that winning breeds confidence — both mentally and physically — across a demanding campaign. The Cup final now awaits at Wembley Stadium on March 22, where Arsenal will face either Manchester City or Newcastle United, promising another high‑stakes showdown.
⚽ Squad Effort and Premier League Focus
Arteta also praised Havertz’s contribution not just for the goal but for his resilience and attitude throughout challenging periods this season. The coach acknowledged that such moments can galvanize a team and reinforce belief ahead of crucial Premier League clashes.
Despite the celebration, Arteta stressed the need to quickly pivot back to league matters, with a key fixture against Sunderland coming just days after the Cup triumph. The balancing act between domestic cup success and maintaining a lead in the Premier League underscores the depth of Arsenal’s ambitions this season.
🧠 Opponent Reactions and Next Tests
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior accepted his side’s defeat, noting that injuries to key players Reece James and Pedro Neto before kick‑off affected his tactical options. Rosenior praised young talents like Estevão for their commitment and outlined a focus on recovering quickly for upcoming league challenges.
As Arsenal prepares for both cup glory and a fierce title race, Arteta’s “vitamins” — experienced through hard‑fought victories and late‑game drama — could prove crucial in sustaining momentum across all competitions.
