Arteta: Winning League Cup Can Inspire Arsenal’s Premier League Title Push
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes that winning the League Cup could provide the momentum and belief his side needs to fuel their Premier League title ambitions. As they prepare to host Crystal Palace in the League Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday, Arteta emphasized the importance of lifting silverware mid-season.
Arsenal, chasing their first Premier League title since 2004, have come close in the last two campaigns, finishing as runners-up to Manchester City. Currently sitting third in the standings with 30 points from 16 matches, Arsenal trail league leaders Liverpool by six points, with Liverpool having a game in hand.
While Arteta has yet to win the League Cup since taking over as manager in December 2019, he previously guided Arsenal to an FA Cup triumph in the 2019-20 season. For Arteta, the League Cup is about more than just a trophy—it’s about building belief.
“It brings belief, trust, and positive energy. Beating someone in the semi-final and final generates that energy and creates the right path to go and do something else,” Arteta said in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday.
Back-to-Back Challenges Against Palace
Arsenal are set for back-to-back clashes with Crystal Palace, first in the League Cup quarter-final and then in a Premier League fixture at Selhurst Park on Saturday. Arteta acknowledged the added challenge of playing the same opponent twice in quick succession.
“It’s always really tough. It’s another layer of difficulty, particularly when you play a team twice in a row,” he said.
Palace, under manager Oliver Glasner, currently sit 15th in the Premier League, but they have shown resilience, remaining unbeaten in their last five league games. Their most recent victory came against rivals Brighton & Hove Albion.
Team News
Arteta provided an update on his squad, revealing that Declan Rice is fine after being substituted in the 62nd minute of Arsenal’s recent goalless draw with Everton. However, the Spaniard said a decision will be made closer to the match regarding Rice’s availability.
Meanwhile, defensive duo Oleksandr Zinchenko and Riccardo Calafiori remain unavailable due to injuries, posing a continued challenge to Arsenal’s backline depth.
“We will make the decision on whether he (Rice) is available or not,” Arteta added.
Looking Ahead
With the League Cup quarter-final presenting a chance for silverware, Arteta will aim to use it as a catalyst to boost Arsenal’s confidence and title aspirations as they continue their fight for domestic glory.
