Arsenal must prove they can win trophies – Arteta

Mikel Arteta has described Sunday’s League Cup final clash with Manchester City as a crucial test of Arsenal’s ability to finally shake off their “almost there” reputation.

The North London side are enjoying a remarkable campaign, sitting comfortably at the top of the Premier League table and still in contention across multiple competitions, including the Champions League and FA Cup. However, after finishing as runners-up in the league for three straight seasons, Arteta admitted his players must now demonstrate they can deliver silverware.

“It’s going to be one of the defining moments because at the end of the day it is about whether you win the trophy or not,” the Spaniard said on Friday.

“That is the most important thing once you get to the final.

“But in order to be there you have to do a lot of things. There are a lot of things the team has done so far, but we need to prove that point, that’s clear, and it has to be done on the pitch.”

Since taking over at the Emirates in 2019 after working under Pep Guardiola, Arteta has overseen a significant rebuild at Arsenal.

Despite the progress, his only major triumph remains the FA Cup victory in 2020.

Guardiola, speaking ahead of the final, downplayed suggestions of tension between himself and his former assistant, even as both sides now compete directly for top honours.

Arteta, meanwhile, reiterated his appreciation for Guardiola’s influence on his managerial journey.

“The fact we are never together and can never spend time together is important in our relationship, but it is not the most important,” he said.

“How I feel about him and the time we had together and what he did for me, the inspiration he’s been… that is never going to change.”

Team news ahead of the Wembley encounter remains uncertain, with captain Martin Odegaard and defender Jurrien Timber racing to be fit after missing the midweek win over Bayer Leverkusen.

Arteta also kept quiet on his choice of goalkeeper. Kepa Arrizabalaga has featured regularly in domestic cup matches, while David Raya remains first choice in league and European fixtures.

On the other side, Guardiola confirmed James Trafford will continue in goal for City in the competition, ahead of regular starter Gianluigi Donnarumma.