Arteta challenges Arsenal to turn Cup Final pain into treble push

Mikel Arteta has challenged his Arsenal players to use their League Cup final defeat as motivation in the race for a potential Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League treble.

The Gunners remain in a strong position domestically, sitting nine points clear at the top of the Premier League despite their 2-0 loss to Manchester City in the League Cup final at Wembley.

Arsenal now face a crucial run-in, beginning with an FA Cup quarter-final away to Southampton FC, followed by a Champions League last-eight clash against Sporting CP.

“When you don’t win a final, you have to ask how it makes you stronger for the final push of the season,” Arteta said.

“That has been the mindset, to use it as fuel to achieve what we want.”

The defeat at Wembley raised fresh concerns over Arsenal’s big-game mentality and extended their six-year wait for silverware. However, Arteta insists the setback can sharpen his squad for the decisive phase of the campaign.

“We analysed not just that game, but the last 120 days and the number of matches we’ve played. It will make us better,” he added.

“Now we have to use it for the most important and beautiful part of the season.”

Arteta also addressed criticism over the withdrawal of several players from international duty, including Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Noni Madueke.

“It makes us proud to have so many players in national teams. They are desperate to play, and we fully support that,” he said.

“At the end, it’s a medical decision, and the conclusion was clear.”