Arteta backs Arsenal to channel pain of Carabao Cup defeat in title race
By Sky News, March 23, 2026Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said the club will use the “fire in their bellies” to have “the most amazing two months” and lift the Premier League trophy in May.
The Gunners fell at the final hurdle in the pursuit of their first silverware of the season with a 2-0 defeat at Man City in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.
But Arteta denied the result could knock his players’ hopes of lifting the Premier League trophy for the first time in 22 years when asked if the defeat could have longer-lasting repercussions once his side returns from the international break.
Disappointment
“I want the players to have some perspective,” he said.
“What this team has done in the last eight months is incredible, and we’re going to use the disappointment and the fire in the belly to have the most amazing two months we ever have had together.
“That’s on us, we’ll manage that energy in the right way. Now we have to go through that pain and disappointment; that’s normal, and it’s part of football.”
As a lacklustre Arsenal seemed to lack answers against Man City at Wembley, Arteta’s choice of starting with keeper, Kepa Arizabalaga proved critical in deciding the match.
The Arsenal reserve goalkeeper’s misery in Wembley cup finals continued with his handling error gifting youngster Nico O’Reilly the opener.
Sky Sports’ pundit Jamie Carragher speaking on Premier League Extra Time questioned Arteta’s decision to start Kepa over David Raya in the Carabao Cup final:
Doesnt owe Kepa anything
“I’ve got strong views on playing the second goalkeeper. I don’t like it, but I can understand it in some situations.
“But Mikel Arteta does not owe Kepa anything. He owes Arsenal supporters the best possible chance of winning the first trophy in six years. They’ve won one trophy in nine years.
“The goalkeeper comes to the club because he knows he’s second choice. He can play through the rounds, but once you get to the final, it has to change for me because they haven’t won enough trophies and they need to get over the line.