After Years of Struggles, Arsenal Poised to Leave ‘Nearly-Men’ Reputation Behind

The long-awaited moment has finally arrived for Arsenal fans. Following a grueling six-year period filled with disappointments in four semi-finals, the Gunners have emerged victorious with a 4-2 aggregate win over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final, securing their spot in a major final.

This upcoming final marks Arsenal’s first under the guidance of Mikel Arteta since he led the team to an FA Cup triumph in 2020, and it represents just their second final during his tenure at the club.

The match was characterized by tight competition and moments of tension, occasionally lacking excitement. However, when Kai Havertz netted an injury-time goal to cement their place at Wembley, the atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium exploded with joy from both players and supporters, underscoring the match’s importance.

In a game where both teams managed a mere two shots on target, the Gunners displayed resilience and composure, demonstrating the qualities that have made them a formidable opponent this season. With this victory, Arsenal is set to compete in their ninth EFL Cup final against either Manchester City or Newcastle on March 22.

If they encounter City, it would be a repeat of the 2018 final, where the Manchester side triumphed with Arteta as part of Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff. This match not only presents Arsenal with a chance to avenge that defeat but also an opportunity to lift their first League Cup in 33 years, potentially reshaping public perception of the club.

Arteta remarked, “The atmosphere was truly special inside our stadium. It makes a significant difference. We have long awaited this moment, and we intend to relish it in the final. It serves as the best motivation for us, especially considering our busy schedule of matches. The effort invested to reach this point and to share these moments is simply magical. You can feel the joy, the smiles, the energy, and everything that is thriving at the club.”

Midfielder Declan Rice echoed this sentiment, stating, “We have earned this. Over the past few years, we’ve consistently been at the top of the Premier League, coming close but falling short. This season, we are fueled by an extra determination to advance further in every tournament. Although there remains a long path ahead, being in a cup final with this club is incredible.”

In recent years, Arteta’s era at Arsenal has been marked by near misses in both cup competitions and the league. Now, standing just one match away from breaking their trophy drought, can the Premier League leaders finally silence the critics who label them as the ‘nearly-men’?

Former Arsenal defender Matt Upson shared on BBC Radio 5 Live, “This has been a long time in the making, with a gradual build-up to this moment for Arsenal. Mikel Arteta has been establishing the foundations, fostering team unity, and creating a strong club ethos.”

Since winning the FA Cup in 2020, Arsenal has faced disappointment in four semi-finals, losing each one. Throughout this stretch, they struggled to secure even a single leg victory, making Tuesday’s achievement a tremendous psychological boost, with hopes now set on lifting the trophy in March.

They have also experienced frustrating moments in the Premier League, where leads evaporated, preventing them from clinching the title. Many fans and observers are now urging Arteta to secure silverware this season more than ever.

While Arsenal harbors ambitions that extend beyond the Carabao Cup, the significance of claiming early silverware should not be underestimated for their broader campaign. Upson noted, “The fans are just as eager to capture a major trophy as the players and management. They aspire for a Premier League title, but this cup victory is a crucial step toward that goal.”

Upson continued, “Winning a semi-final is vital. It’s essential for Arsenal to reclaim a trophy, given their prolonged absence from success. This season is pivotal; achieving this would significantly boost their Premier League aspirations, and the atmosphere at the stadium reflects that momentum beautifully.”

Defender William Saliba commented, “This is a major club, so there’s always pressure. But that pressure is beneficial; it’s what we play for. There are numerous matches ahead—four months remain—and we aim to win every competition. We believe in our squad and our coach’s capabilities.”

Interestingly, seven of the last twelve EFL Cup champions have gone on to secure at least one additional trophy that same season. Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp stated, “Arsenal is primed for victory. They have endured hardships, but this win should alleviate some pressure, allowing them to enjoy the game more. Their efforts this season have been commendable, and there’s no reason they can’t secure two or even three trophies.”

As the Champions League final approaches, with 17 weeks remaining and no trophies yet in the cabinet, it may be premature to discuss a quadruple. Nevertheless, Arsenal currently sits six points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Arteta’s squad is set to face League One side Wigan in the fourth round of the FA Cup and have already advanced to the last 16 in Europe’s premier club competition, having won all eight matches in the league phase to lead the table.

Since the quadruple became a possibility in 1960, only four different clubs have managed to achieve a treble by winning the league, the FA Cup, and the League Cup in the same season.

No English team has yet accomplished the elusive quadruple, although Liverpool achieved victories in the First Division, League Cup, and European Cup in 1984. City completed a domestic clean sweep in 2018-19, mirroring Manchester United’s success in 1998-99, where they won the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup in the 2022-23 season.

That season, City was just three wins short of a complete sweep, while United’s closest attempt at a quadruple came in 2008-09, winning the Premier League and League Cup but falling to Everton in the FA Cup semi-finals and Barcelona in the Champions League final, ultimately settling for “only” two trophies.

Given that Arteta’s team is already closer to achieving success than the legendary ‘Invincibles’, who finished the league undefeated in 2003-04, the dream for a quadruple can’t be entirely dismissed. However, that season also saw their only silverware secured, as their hopes for a quadruple ended on February 3, 2004, when they were defeated by Middlesbrough in the League Cup semi-finals.

While Arteta may not yet be discussing quadruples, it certainly gives Arsenal supporters something to aspire towards.