22 March,2026 08:58 AM IST | London | Agencies
Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka (right) during a training session on Friday. Pic/Getty Images
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed full confidence in his high-flying team's ability to beat Manchester City and clinch the EFL Cup when the two sides face off in Sunday's summit clash.
"We are really prepared and confident that we're going to make it happen [win the EFL Cup]. It can be one of the defining moments [of our season]. In order to be in the final you have to do a lot of things right, as the team has done so far. Now, we need to prove that point [once again] on the pitch," said Arteta.
The Gunners are in the hunt for a historic quadruple - no English Premier League side has won the league title, both domestic cups, and the Champions League in the same season before - and Arteta believes a positive result at the iconic Wembley stadium will provide a huge boost to his charges, who haven't clinched silverware since the FA Cup trophy in 2020.
"When you have been in this position and gone years without winning a trophy, obviously it adds more necessity, but also more drive because you really want it. And that's something that we have. Obviously you can imagine how nice it would be on Sunday when you win it. It would be a massive energy boost and belief for everybody [that we can win more trophies this year] and that's why we want it so much, said the Spaniard. Recent history suggests that Arsenal have the edge in this clash. They are unbeaten against Pep Guardiola's side in their last six encounters.
However, the Sky Blues have dominated the EFL Cup over the last few years (six cup wins since 2014). Furthermore, Guardiola's side are also chasing Arsenal for the league title, and trail them by nine points with a game in hand. A win for Guardiola's unit on Sunday could be a psychological blow for the Gunners, who in previous years have crumbled in the league during the business end of the season.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola expects a gruelling fight against a powerful Arsenal side in the EFL Cup final on Sunday, claiming it will be a test for the Sky Blues to see where they stand.
"They [Arsenal] are an exceptional team. They control, defend deep, high build-ups, long ball second balls, many good things. They are also very fluid. So, it is a big challenge for us to see our level," said Guardiola.
He also confirmed that James Trafford, who has been starting in the EFL Cup, will retain his place at the expense of Gianluigi Donnarumma.
33
No of years since Arsenal last won the EFL Cup; they beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 in the final in 1993
Four
No of times Arsenal have defeated Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in their last five meetings
Six
Arsenal's current unbeaten streak against Man City across all competitions (two wins, four draws)
Eight
No of different goalscorers that Arsenal have had in five EFL Cup games this season
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