Mikel Arteta has declared Arsenal are ready to “attack the trophy and bring it home” ahead of their Carabao Cup final clash with Manchester City.
The Gunners will face Pep Guardiola’s side at Wembley Stadium, aiming to end a six-year wait for silverware.
Their last trophy was the 2020 FA Cup final, the only prize of Arteta’s reign so far, but his team could yet secure a remarkable four trophies this season.
They currently hold a nine-point lead over City in the Premier League, are in the Champions League quarter-finals, and an FA Cup semi-final spot beckons with a last-eight tie against Sky Bet Championship side Southampton in two weeks.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s showpiece, Arteta said: “I’m really prepared and confident that we’re going to make it happen.
“When it comes to the crucial moments and when it comes to the moment to attack a trophy, take it and bring it home, that’s when you need to step up and make a difference.
“That’s why we are all very excited because we know what is at stake, and now it’s about the next step, the next game, and the fact that we are at the end of March and we are in four competitions tells a lot about the team.
“It’s one of the defining moments because at the end it’s whether you win the trophy or not. We need to prove that point. That’s clear. And that has to be done on the pitch.”
The final against City will serve as the first act of a possible quartet with Arsenal still on course to win the Quadruple. Victory on Sunday could also be seen as a springboard to further success this season.
But when asked if his players are talking about the Quadruple, Arteta replied: “No. We know that we need to go game by game and trophy by trophy.
“Obviously, you can imagine how nice it would be on Sunday when you win it, and we are all together, and sharing with our fans, it will be a massive energy boost and belief for everybody, and that’s why we want it so much. And winning a trophy helps. It gives you confidence, it gives you the feeling that when it comes to that moment, you can do it.”
In the opposing dugout on Sunday will be Arteta’s former mentor Guardiola. Arteta served as his assistant the last time Arsenal reached the Carabao Cup final eight years ago, with City claiming a one-sided 3-0 win.
And Arteta, who will have to decide whether to stick with back-up goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga – who has played every game in the Carabao Cup so far – or revert to first-choice stopper David Raya, added: “Both clubs were in a very different stage in that moment.
“I had the incredible privilege to work with Pep for four years, and all this staff, and an amazing club. And that remains part of me because it was part of the journey and where I am today as a manager.”
