Carabao Cup final against Man City offers Arsenal a chance to complete evolution under Mikel Arteta
Arsenal recently stormed into the final of the Carabao Cup, beating Chelsea 4-2 on aggregate to take a major step towards their first silverware since an FA Cup victory in 2020.
The Gunners have been revolutionary under manager Mikel Arteta, adapting to his style of play, improving their defensive organisation, and successfully combining youth development with first-team signings.
Arteta’s emphasis on recruiting academy talent into the first team has also influenced club philosophy and helped instil a culture of technical skill, versatility, and long-term development.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Nerea Fernandes takes a look at the London side’s trajectory.
Arteta transforms the club
Since his appointment in 2019, Arteta has placed a high priority on ‘meritocratic’ pathways where young players are promoted based on performance rather than potential, fostering a culture where talent is trusted provided they meet the demands of senior football.
The Spaniard’s tactical flexibility around ball control and structured possession in training and on matchdays allows the team to adjust formations depending on the opposition, with leaders such as Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard guiding a blend of youth and experience.
The success of academy products such as Myles Lewis-Skelly and Bukayo Saka in the senior squad demonstrates the club’s commitment to developing young talent to compete at a senior level.
As part of Arteta’s ‘Ready Earlier’ philosophy, the ultimate goal was to have a significant portion of the starting XI come through the academy.
This move allowed Arteta to phase out established stars and replace them with adaptable players like Ødegaard and William Saliba.
READ MORE: Arsenal and Man City book Wembley date in Carabao Cup final
The season so far
The manager’s influence from the dressing room to the pitch has had a strong impact on the team, taking them from a struggling side to title contenders.
Strong performances in domestic and European competitions have demonstrated that Arsenal can compete with the world’s elite, boasting a growing consistency that reflects the club’s progress.
Arsenal are six points clear at the top of the Premier League table at the time of writing, with Manchester City close behind.
They have also enjoyed a perfect start to the Champions League – a stark contrast to the beginning of Arteta’s tenure, when the side were mid-table and struggling to assert themselves.
The team’s FA Cup triumph in 2020 showcased the best of Arteta’s ideas, with courageous passing out from the back and clinical finishing, and it remains a reminder that the team are capable of delivering silverware.
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Chance for more silverware
The upcoming Carabao Cup final offers the Gunners an opportunity to regain stability and momentum against City and could provide the catalyst Arsenal need to win their first trophy since the Community Shield in 2023.
Arsenal have the hunger to compete at the highest level and the ambition to do so, but whether this match becomes a turning point for the squad or simply another step towards change remains to be seen.
At the very least, their trajectory from ‘bridesmaid’ tag to title challengers shows just how far Arteta’s project has come.
The shift from a side struggling to maintain momentum and consistency in past seasons to one that combines youth talent, tactical intelligence, and ambition demonstrates Arsenal’s desire to compete with the world’s best and their readiness to ensure they are not just one-trick ponies.
The question now is whether Arsenal can finally convert potential into silverware and prove that they are truly on the up.
