Mikel Arteta has described Arsenal’s EFL Cup final clash against Manchester City as “one of the defining moments” of the season, with the Gunners closing in on their first trophy since 2020.
Arsenal secured their place in Sunday’s Wembley showdown after seeing off Chelsea in the semi-finals, while City advanced past Newcastle United over two legs.
The North London club will be chasing a third EFL Cup title, having previously lifted the trophy in 1987 and 1993. But Arsenal also hold the unwanted record of losing more finals than any other side, with their last defeat in the competition coming against City in 2018.
With Arsenal leading the Premier League table and City sitting second, this will be the first EFL Cup final contested by the top two teams in the country.
Arteta’s side are still fighting on three other fronts, remaining in contention in the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup, as hopes of a potential quadruple stay alive.
The Arsenal boss said the occasion could shape the course of their season, insisting: “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.”
He added: “That is the most important thing once you get to the finals, but in order to be there you have to do a lot of things.
“There are a lot of things the team has done so far, but we need to prove that point, that’s clear, and it has to be done on the pitch.”
Arteta is preparing for just his second major final as Arsenal manager, having won the FA Cup in the 2019-20 season. No Arsenal manager has ever won both of his first two major finals with the club.
Following major summer signings including Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke, Arteta has challenged his squad to rise to the occasion against City.
“All of our players have to perform daily at this level,” he said.
“When it comes to the crucial moments and when it comes to the moment to attack a trophy and take it and bring it home is when we need players to step up and make a difference, that is clear.”