Mikel Arteta is “happy” with how Arsenal secured a “magical” place in the 2026 Carabao Cup Final.
Having led 3-2 from the first leg at Stamford Bridge in January, Arsenal wrapped up a 4-2 aggregate victory at home through Kai Havertz’s 97th-minute winner against his former team after they had soaked up Chelsea’s attacking pressure throughout the match.
The result meant that Arsenal reached a first cup final at Wembley Stadium since they won the 2019-20 FA Cup, with Arteta chuffed at the performance against tough opponents in his post-match press conference.
“We are so happy. I think overall, over the last two games, we deserved to go through. It was a long match, we expected that, we wrapped it up at the end in a beautiful way, with Kai scoring the goal in the manner that he did and the reaction from the crowd.
“The starters, the finishers, the staff, it was just magical. So I’m really happy because it was a really tough match against a great opponent and we’re in Wembley.”
Arteta proceeded to explain that his team tactically played smaller games within the overall game to beat Chelsea after the Blues’ tactical changes in contrast to the first leg.
“Well, we were certainly prepared to win it. We knew that we were going to have to play a lot of games within that game. Especially because right from the beginning, they changed the set-up and they played in a different way.
“I knew that 45 [minutes], depending on the context of the game, they could do that, as they did three days ago. Or at 60, at 70. We were going to have to be very flexible and smart using the bench and the adjustments that we had to make.
“It’s true that we haven’t really conceded anything, we only created I think three or four chances. Two big chances before the goal, and the margins were going to be small because they are a really good side. They compete so well as well, they are really well coached, and, at the end, we got it over the line.”
Havertz in particular drew praise for how he delivered the winner against his former team, as Arteta applauded him for his attitude.
“Super. I think not only me. I think everybody who knows Kai a little bit feels genuinely happy for him in a special way, because he deserves the best. The way he works, the way he treats people, the way he behaves every single day. And today was a special moment for him. And I hope that he enjoyed it, because he fully deserves that.”
Arteta also credited the crowd for the turnout in difficult weather conditions despite the match having been live free-to-air on ITV in the UK.
“Very well. I think the crowd was brilliant today. It brought so much energy and belief to the team in different moments. It was very much needed, and I think we all deserve to be together in Wembley in a few weeks’ time.
“They were great. It wasn’t easy today because it was a late kick-off; windy, rainy, cold, and they responded. The energy was very good from the beginning. I sensed that it was different, and yes, they are on board.”
Returning his attention to the team, Arteta spoke of his wish that they learned from their experiences of recent season and built a togetherness within this cup run, despite their first-choice goalkeeper – David Raya having not featured due to goalkeeper rotation with Kepa Arrizabalaga.
“Well, I hope so, and this is about learning from previous experiences. But today was a very different game, as you said, from the previous game at Stamford Bridge. We dealt with that really well. The way the team competed and understood what we had to do was really impressive. And now let’s win the final.
“Great because it’s a natural reaction, and some of them, they didn’t have the chance to play. But they’ve all been part in the competition, I think, except of David. All of the players, they feel that it’s their own. The merit is there, and now we’re going to have to go and win it.
“Well, I mean, winning helps in every sense. Confidence, energy, you call it. We’re going to be there in a few weeks. We’ll prepare well. In the meantime, we know that we need to just put it aside, because three days later, we’re going to have a massive game here in the Premier League, and we’re on all fronts. That’s where we want to be. So let’s keep moving.”
Arteta also spoke of reaching the final as the ideal tonic for his team who are currently chasing a quadruple this season.
“Well, it’s the best vitamins that we can put in our bodies because we’re playing every three days. But the fact that you work so hard to achieve those moments and to have these moments together, it’s just magical, because you can see the joy, the smile, the energy in the dressing room and everybody who works at the club. So, yeah, looking forward to it.”
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