“No, it was related to the game and some players that needed to come off basically, because of the amount of minutes they are playing,” said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, reflecting on his team’s recent performance.
Arsenal secured a 2-0 victory against Bayer Leverkusen before heading into the highly anticipated Carabao Cup final against Manchester City. This win marks a significant moment for Arsenal, who have not lifted a trophy in six years.
The upcoming final is set against the backdrop of Arsenal’s recent resurgence in form, with Arteta’s side winning 14 out of 17 home games in the Champions League this season, despite facing only three losses across all competitions.
Newcastle United, the previous winners of the Carabao Cup, triumphed over Liverpool on March 16, 2025, adding to the competitive history of the tournament. The Carabao Cup has seen only four different winners during its era: Newcastle United, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Liverpool.
In a related development, Trevor Birch, CEO of the EFL, announced, “We are delighted to extend our long-standing partnership with Carabao, taking their title sponsorship of the League Cup to 12 seasons – the longest in the competition’s history.” This extension ensures that Carabao will remain a key player in the tournament until at least the 2028/29 season.
As Arsenal prepares for the final, the stakes are high. The team is eager to break their trophy drought and capitalize on their recent form. The match against Manchester City is expected to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams vying for glory.
The Carabao Cup has a rich history spanning 66 years, and with Carabao being the longest-serving naming partner, the significance of this tournament continues to grow.
With the final approaching, fans are hopeful that Arsenal can deliver a memorable performance and secure their first piece of silverware in years.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final lineup, but the anticipation builds as Arsenal aims to make a statement in the Carabao Cup final.
