Mikel Arteta says Arsenal FC must use their Carabao Cup final disappointment as motivation for the rest of the season after losing to Manchester City at Wembley.
The defeat ended Arsenal’s hopes of winning four trophies this season, but Arteta insists his players will come back stronger, saying they now have “fire in their belly” to fight for the remaining competitions.
“We had eight amazing months with this team. Today is a disappointment,” Arteta said. “We need to use that fire in the belly for the next two months to have an incredible season.”
He added that experiencing pain and disappointment is part of football and believes his team has the mentality to bounce back, especially given how they have responded to setbacks earlier in the season.
Despite the loss, Arteta made his players stay and watch Manchester City lift the trophy as a sign of respect but also as motivation to push harder in the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League.
The match was heavily influenced by two goals from Nico O’Reilly, while a costly mistake from goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga contributed to Arsenal’s defeat. Kepa had started ahead of first-choice keeper David Raya.
However, Arteta defended his decision, explaining that Kepa had played throughout the competition and it would have been unfair not to start him in the final.
“I have to do what I feel is right, which is honest and fair,” Arteta said. “He played the whole competition, and it wouldn’t have been right to change that.”
Arsenal will now shift focus to their remaining competitions as they aim to salvage silverware from the season.