Arsenal’s Trophy Drought ‘Difficult To Accept’, Says Arteta Ahead Of Carabao Cup Final

4Mikel Arteta has admitted that Arsenal’s six-year trophy drought has been “difficult to accept” as his side prepare to face his former mentor Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final.

The Wembley showdown marks the first potential silverware in Arsenal’s ambitious quadruple pursuit.

Arteta, who secured the FA Cup in his inaugural season as manager, acknowledged the barren spell since their 2020 triumph, 2,059 days ago. Speaking ahead of what he’s labelled a “defining moment,” he stated, “it has been difficult to accept because I want to win every competition that I’m involved in.” He added that the prolonged wait “adds more necessity, but also more drive.”

Arsenal enter the final amidst a remarkable season, holding a nine-point lead over City in the Premier League, chasing their first title in 22 years. They are also in the Champions League quarter-finals and face Southampton in the FA Cup last eight. Meanwhile, City were recently eliminated from the Champions League and have won just one of their last five matches.

Despite his perfect eight-win record at Wembley as both a player and manager for Arsenal, Arteta insists the Gunners are not favourites. “No, there are no favourites,” he declared. “We have to play in a final to earn that status.”