Mikel Arteta has underlined the importance of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea, urging supporters to play their part when the two sides meet at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, Softfootball reports.
The Gunners head into the decisive tie with a narrow advantage after edging a 3–2 victory at Stamford Bridge in the first leg, putting them within touching distance of a place in the final.
Speaking to club media via Arsenal’s official X handle from the Sobha Realty Training Centre, Arteta made it clear that the competition now takes centre stage as Arsenal look to turn their aggregate lead into a final appearance, he explained:
Yes, I mean the next one is always the most important one and it is the closest at least to reach a final. And tomorrow we are going to have people who really need to create the atmosphere, the energy, the belief that we are going to do it. All together, I am sure we are very capable of doing that.
Arteta also acknowledged the challenge Chelsea will pose, with the Blues enjoying an impressive resurgence under new head coach Liam Rosenior. Since his appointment on a six-year deal following Enzo Maresca’s departure, Chelsea have made a strong start, winning all three Premier League matches, progressing in the FA Cup, and recording two victories in the UEFA Champions League.
Despite Arsenal’s home advantage and aggregate lead, Arteta insisted there can be no complacency, stressing the importance of approach and mentality on the night, he added:
Well I mean every team has its own things, I think Liam is doing an incredible job so far in different competitions as well.And tomorrow the tie has a context which is very specific when you talk about a tie.The fact is that we play at home and we have the advantage, but we need to now make it very concrete in the manner that we approach the game certainly tomorrow to win it.
Arsenal will now look to channel the backing of the Emirates crowd and their strong recent form into one final push, knowing that victory would not only seal a place at Wembley but also mark another major step forward in what is shaping up to be a defining period of their season.
