‘Such games bring a different kind of energy and we’re ready’

Mikel Arteta

Being two steps away from clinching silverware has given Arsenal enough motivation for their English Football League Cup semi-final encounter against Chelsea, remarked Gunners boss Mikel Arteta on Tuesday.

"The more you are involved in these kind of games, the better, because it gives you a nudge, it brings the team a different kind of energy. It gives you the sense that the objective is very, very close and that's a massive motivation for everybody. So we know that we are two games away from playing a final. We have to go game-by-game and the first one is Stamford Bridge," said the Spaniard.

Despite their marked improvement in recent seasons, Arteta is yet to win any major silverware.

Last season they lost 0-2 to eventual champions Newcastle United in the EFL Cup semi-final.

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