Arteta: League Cup final a defining test for Arsenal’s title credential

Mikel Arteta has described Arsenal’s upcoming League Cup final against Manchester City as a pivotal moment in the club’s pursuit of silverware, as they look to shake off their reputation as perennial runners-up, Sport360NG reports. 

The Gunners head into Sunday’s Wembley showdown in strong form, sitting nine points clear of City at the top of the Premier League and remaining in contention across multiple competitions. However, after finishing second in the league in each of the last three seasons, Arteta admitted his side must now prove they can convert promise into trophies.

“This is one of those defining moments,” Arteta said on Friday. “At this stage, it ultimately comes down to whether you win or not. We’ve done many things well to get here, but now we have to deliver on the pitch.”

Since taking charge in 2019, Arteta has overseen a significant revival at Arsenal, guiding the club back into domestic and European contention. Despite that progress, his only major honour remains the FA Cup triumph in 2020.

Sunday’s final also brings a familiar reunion with City manager Pep Guardiola, whom Arteta previously served under as an assistant. Guardiola dismissed suggestions of any tension between the two, despite their current rivalry at the top of English football.

Arteta, for his part, spoke warmly about his former mentor, emphasising the lasting impact of their time together.

“The relationship we built and what he taught me will always stay with me,” Arteta said. “That respect and gratitude will never change.”

Arsenal could receive a boost ahead of the final, with captain Martin Ødegaard and defender Jurrien Timber both in contention to return after missing the midweek win over Bayer Leverkusen through injury. Arteta, however, declined to confirm his starting goalkeeper.

At City, Guardiola confirmed that James Trafford will retain his place in goal for the final, having featured throughout the club’s domestic cup campaign, ahead of first-choice Gianluigi Donnarumma.

For Arsenal, Kepa Arrizabalaga has been the regular in cup competitions this season, while David Raya continues as the preferred option in league and European fixtures.