Arsenal head coach, Mikel Arteta, has confessed, he feels “very sad” after the Gunners were downed in the final of the EFL Cup by Manchester City on Sunday in London.
Spanish manager, Pep Guardiola, led Manchester City against an extremely in-form Arsenal in the EFL Cup 2025/26 final on Sunday 22 March, 2026 at Wembley Stadium and emerged victorious by two (2) goals to zero (0).
Both goals were netted by 21-year old left-wing defender, Nico O’Reilly, in the second half within a short time period of four (4) minutes.
After losing out in the final of the competition and giving way for Manchester City to cart home its fifth EFL Cup under the former Barcelona manager, Arteta gave his opinion on the Gunners’ performance, as well as, the remainder of the season.
On fielding Kepa Arrizabalaga ahead of number goalkeeper, David Raya, Arteta said, “I have to do what I feel is right”; he also disclosed, Eberechi Eze will not be available for England for international duty.
According to arsenal.com, at his post-match press conference, Arteta said:
On the outcome:
“Well, very sad, very hard one to take, especially for our players and our supporters because we know how much it means to them and how much we want it and the fact that we haven’t managed to deliver that obviously is disappointing and sad.”
On the goalkeeper choice for the showdown:
“I understand that, but I have to do what I feel is right, which is honest and which is fair and I think we have an understanding goalkeeper in Kepa.”
On Manchester City’s use of width in the match:
“There were different moments in the game. In the first half I think we had some really good moments.
“That’s something you have to give credit to the opposition as well when they are so good in these periods and they capitalise on that, we had our periods, we didn’t and then we have to accept that.”
On how he encourages players following outcomes like this:
“Well, especially to have some perspective on it and what this team has done in the last eight months has been incredible and we’re going to use this disappointment and this fire in the belly to have the most amazing two months.
“Now we have to go through that pain and disappointment and it’s normal and it’s part of football.”
On Eberechi Eze’s availability for international duty for England:
“No he’s out.”
Photo: Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta
