Arteta Says Arsenal Carabao Cup Mission Is Driven by ‘Painful’ Last Season Exit

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are driven by last season’s painful Carabao Cup exit as they target Chelsea in a high-stakes semi-final clash.

Mikel Arteta has revealed that Arsenal’s Carabao Cup mission is being driven by the pain of last season’s brutal semi-final collapse, as the Gunners prepare to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the first leg of this year’s semi-final.

Arsenal were eliminated in humiliating fashion during the 2024-25 campaign, losing 4-0 on aggregate to Newcastle United. Despite dominating possession and creating a high volume of chances across both legs, Arteta’s side failed to score, a failure the Arsenal manager previously described as “painful” and unacceptable at this stage of the club’s development.

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Speaking to the Media ahead of the Chelsea showdown, Arteta made it clear that the scars from that defeat remain fresh — and are now being used as fuel.

“That’s the mission,” Arteta said. “Hopefully we learn from last year because it was painful, especially the way the games went and the amount of chances we missed.”

Efficiency Now the Key for Arsenal

Arteta stressed that progress in cup competitions depends on ruthlessness, not dominance alone. While Arsenal controlled games last season, they lacked cutting edge when it mattered most.

The Arsenal boss believes his squad has matured since then, both mentally and tactically.

“Hopefully this year we are better, especially more efficient. These games give you a different kind of energy because you feel the objective is very close.”

That sense of proximity to silverware, Arteta explained, has sharpened the squad’s focus as they attempt to reach Wembley.

Arteta acknowledged the scale of the challenge awaiting Arsenal, insisting his side must take the tie one step at a time.

“We know we are two games away from a final. We have to go game by game, the first one is Stamford Bridge and we know how tough Chelsea will be.”

The semi-final represents Arsenal’s clearest route to a domestic trophy this season and a chance to end their long Carabao Cup drought, with the club last lifting the trophy in 1993.

Arsenal’s route to the semi-final has tested both character and composure:

• Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal (Third Round)
• Progress through difficult later rounds
• Crystal Palace defeated on penalties after a dramatic quarter-final draw

Arteta described the Palace win as “emotionally tough,” praising his players for holding their nerve in decisive moments.

Across all competitions, Arsenal have continued to impress, sitting top of the Premier League, advancing in Europe, and maintaining momentum in domestic cups.

Injury Concerns Could Shape Selection

Despite the renewed belief, Arsenal face selection issues ahead of the Chelsea tie. William Saliba remains a doubt, while Piero Hincapié, Riccardo Calafiori, and Cristhian Mosquera are ruled out. Leandro Trossard is also being assessed, adding further uncertainty to Arteta’s defensive and attacking plans.

Even so, the Arsenal manager remains confident that his squad depth and mentality can overcome the challenge.

This semi-final is about more than reaching Wembley. For Arteta, it represents an opportunity to silence doubts, erase last season’s disappointment, and re-establish Arsenal as serial competitors in knockout football.

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