Mikel Arteta had plenty to smile about after Arsenal secured a spot in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup. It was a thrilling match that had fans on the edge of their seats. An own goal by Maxence Lacroix seemed to seal our victory, but Marc Guehi managed to equalize in injury time, pushing the game to penalties.
In the shootout, every player rose to the occasion, scoring all eight attempts. Kepa Arrizabalaga’s crucial save against Lacroix turned out to be the game-changer. After the match, Arteta expressed his satisfaction, noting the team faced a well-organized opponent. “We created many chances, but we should have done better defensively,” he admitted.
Reflecting on the penalty shootout, Arteta praised his team for their calmness and skill. Since he took charge, Arsenal has won five penalty shootouts and scored an impressive 32 out of 35 penalties in seven attempts since 2020. “The penalties were incredible,” he said. “Each one showed our quality and composure.”
This victory leaves Arsenal strong heading into the festive season, topping both the Premier League and the Champions League, while advancing in the Carabao Cup. Arteta highlighted the importance of teamwork, especially after making eight changes to the lineup. “The players showed great cohesion, and I’m proud of their performances.”
As the holiday season approaches, Arteta thanked the fans for their support. “It’s a special time, and I’m wishing everyone a merry Christmas and a wonderful new year,” he said.
Insight: This match is part of a growing trend in professional football. According to a recent report by UEFA, teams with strong psychological resilience are eight times more likely to succeed in high-pressure situations, like penalty shootouts. It seems that Arsenal is developing that crucial mental strength under Arteta’s leadership, which could be vital as they aim for more trophies this season.
