SOCCER: Arteta says League Cup final will give Arsenal boost for run-in

LONDON – Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta said reaching Wembley for the first time since 2020, following a 4-2 aggregate League Cup semi-final win over Chelsea, would give his players a boost during a busy season.

“It’s the best vitamins we can put in our bodies because we are playing every three days,” Arteta told reporters after Arsenal beat their London rivals 1-0 on Tuesday to secure a spot in the final of England’s second domestic cup competition.

The Spaniard described the prospect of returning to Wembley for the first time since leading Arsenal to FA Cup glory against Chelsea six years ago as “magical,” adding, “Now we are going to have to go and win it.”

Arsenal had failed to advance past the semi-final stage in their previous four major cup campaigns—two in the League Cup and two in European competitions—before overcoming Chelsea on Tuesday.

With Chelsea pressing for the goal needed to level the tie on aggregate, former Chelsea forward Kai Havertz broke clear to score in the closing moments of the second leg.

Havertz, who has missed much of the season due to injury, earned praise from Arteta for his return to form. “Today was a special moment for him, and I hope that he fully enjoys it,” Arteta said.

The Premier League leaders, who are also competing in the FA Cup and the Champions League, will face either Manchester City or Newcastle United in the final, with City holding a 2-0 lead from the first leg of their semi-final, which is set to conclude Wednesday.

Chelsea coach Liam Rosenior said his players’ disciplined display showed the team’s growth since their chaotic 3-2 home defeat to Arsenal in last month’s first leg, which was only his second match in charge after replacing Enzo Maresca.

“Ultimately, their goal comes when we’re throwing the kitchen sink at the game. That’s going to happen,” Rosenior said. “We can’t let this setback affect our future. There were aspects of our game that I am very happy with.”

Rosenior also noted that winger Pedro Neto and club captain Reece James missed the squad on Tuesday due to “small knocks,” while praising 18-year-old Brazilian winger Estevao, who made a 48-hour round trip to Brazil for compassionate reasons but returned to London to come off the bench in the second half. -Writing by William SchombergEditing by Toby Davis/Reuters