Mikel Arteta says Arsenal’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester City is a chance to “make new memories” at Wembley, with the manager stressing the importance of sharing the occasion with supporters and ending the club’s long wait for League Cup success.
Mikel Arteta has used his Carabao Cup final programme notes to set a clear tone before Arsenal face Manchester City at Wembley, with the manager stressing both the significance of the occasion and the opportunity now in front of his team.
Writing ahead of Arsenal’s first final since 2020, Arteta made it clear how much it matters to take part in a showpiece fixture with supporters present, describing it as a very different experience from the FA Cup final win behind closed doors five years ago. For him, the chance to share the day with Arsenal fans is central to what makes this final special.
“We’re all really looking forward to this Carabao Cup final today,” Arteta wrote. “It’s going to be a big day and of course the most important thing is making sure we get the outcome we want.”
He then added: “It’s our first appearance in a final since 2020, and it’s great to share these special moments together with our supporters. It’s going to be a different occasion to the FA Cup final in 2020 because we will have our people with us in the stadium this time, and that changes everything.”
‘It’s time for us to make new memories now’
That theme ran through much of Arteta’s message. He repeatedly returned to the bond between team and supporters, arguing that finals are at their most meaningful when they are experienced together.
“Having our supporters together, sharing the moment, makes it more special,” he wrote. “We deserve to be in this position to be able to win a trophy, and it’s always what you want, to be able to share these moments with your people, so let’s make the most of that opportunity, and do it together.”
Arteta also placed the match in the wider context of Arsenal’s history at Wembley. He acknowledged the club’s previous successes there, including the 2020 FA Cup final, but made the point that this current group now has the chance to create something of its own.
“As a club, there have been some great memories of playing at Wembley Stadium, including that 2020 final, but this is a very different team to the one that won the FA Cup in 2020, so it’s time for us to make new memories now.”
Arteta on Wembley’s history and energy
The Arsenal manager also wrote warmly about Wembley itself, describing it as a stadium unlike any other and one that still carries a unique sense of occasion.
“Being in a cup final is one of the best moments you can have in a season, and every time you get to step out at Wembley, it’s very, very special,” he said. “The atmosphere is great in a cup final with the two ends of the stadium full of their own supporters, it’s unique and something different in the season.”
Arteta’s own connection to Wembley added another layer to the notes. He reflected on his first experience of the stadium as an Arsenal player in the 2014 FA Cup semi-final against Wigan Athletic, recalling the moment he first stepped onto the pitch and took in the surroundings.
“The first time I played at Wembley was the 2014 FA Cup semi-final against Wigan Athletic, and I have very happy memories of that day,” he wrote. “I remember first arriving at the stadium before the game, stepping out onto the grass and looking around, realising where I was.”
‘We haven’t won the League Cup since 1993’
The other major theme in Arteta’s notes was the size of the opportunity. Arsenal have not lifted the League Cup since 1993, and the manager did not shy away from that fact.
“For us, we can’t wait for the game to start,” he wrote. “It’s a chance to make some history for the club. We haven’t won the League Cup since 1993, so it’s about time we did it again.”
That line captured the balance of Arteta’s message. There was excitement around the day, but also clear recognition that the final now has to end with delivery on the pitch.
“When you get to these moments, these opportunities, you have to deliver on the day,” he wrote. “Whenever you have the chance to get over the line and win a trophy, it’s a big day.”
Arteta also made clear what he believes victory could do for the squad if Arsenal get the job done.
“If we can do that, it will bring something very special to the team. It will add another level of conviction, belief and energy.”