Arteta: ‘We’ve worked so hard to reach the final’ | Video | News
Mikel Arteta believes reaching the Carabao Cup final is reward for the hard work his team has put in over the years, as the Spaniard showered our supporters with praise on a special night at Emirates Stadium.
We went into our semi-final second leg with Chelsea holding a 3-2 advantage, and as the Blues pushed to level the tie, Kai Havertz went round Robert Sanchez in stoppage time to send us to Wembley for the final on March 22.
We had fallen twice at this stage under Mikel in 2022 and 2025, but it was third time lucky and our boss was delighted to have made it through the final four.
He said: “I can’t wait because we’ve been working really hard over the last few years. We’ve been very close many times and we really want to enjoy that moment.
“[I’m] very happy, especially the way we ended up at the end with Kai’s goal and the celebration of the players and staff, all together, because we knew how much it means.
“We really wanted to get to Wembley. I think overall, on the two legs, I think the team was extraordinary. I think we really deserved to be where we are and we play against a team that is very, very competitive and very difficult.
“With our people, I must say that the atmosphere they created was amazing tonight. We are where we want to be, so we’re going to be in Wembley in a few weeks’ time.”
Kai’s late winner was his second goal since returning from an injury he sustained against Manchester United on the opening day of the season.
Watching Kai slide home in stoppage time gave immense pleasure to Mikel. He said: “That’s the moment when you work so hard and a lot of people work so hard every single day. It’s for those moments, to score that goal, all together, celebrating, a big smile and a lot of energy and pride. We fully deserve to be in Wembley in a few weeks’ time, so let’s enjoy it.”
We are bidding to win the competition for the first time since 1993. Commenting on the opportunity that presents us next month, Mikel said: “Well, to make history with the club. That’s the first trophy that we’re going to have the opportunity to win. So, let’s go for it.”
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