Arteta After Sinking Chelsea: "It Was a Battle, and Now We Want the Trophy"
Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, couldn't hide his pride after his side secured a spot in the Carabao Cup Final (EFL Cup). Following a disciplined 1-0 victory over Chelsea in the semi-final second leg, the Gunners advanced with a 4-2 aggregate score, punching their ticket to the historic Wembley Stadium.
Arteta Praises Arsenal’s Fighting Spirit
In his post-match press conference, Arteta reflected on the intensity of the London Derby. "Did I enjoy the game? Definitely, especially at the end," Arteta said. "We knew it was going to be a real battle. That fighting spirit and the clarity in understanding the game plan... we mastered it perfectly."
The Wembley Dream: Years in the Making
The Spanish coach highlighted the electric atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium, noting how the fans played a crucial role in the victory.
- The Atmosphere: "The vibe was special. It makes a huge difference."
- The Wait: "We have waited years to reach this stage, and we will certainly enjoy being in the final."
- The Goal: "Now, our objective is to go all the way and win the final."
"Magic Moments" and Clinical Reaction
Despite facing a "fierce opponent" in Chelsea, Arteta emphasized his team's strong psychological response. He described the qualification as a "magic moment," stressing that the team showed high energy and vitality from the very first whistle.
"We are at Wembley now," Arteta concluded. "The team showed a great reaction, and we are ready to compete for the title."