The 0-2 defeat at Wembley on 22/3 marked Arsenal's fourth loss in 50 matches across all competitions this season. This result also cost the team the chance to win the League Cup for the first time since 1993.

Despite this setback, the Gunners maintain strong prospects in three other competitions. They currently lead Manchester City by 9 points in the Premier League, will face Sporting in the Champions League quarterfinals, and Southampton in the FA Cup quarterfinals.

Coach Mikel Arteta stated the League Cup final defeat will not derail the team's strong campaign. "It's tough because the players and fans were desperate for this trophy. Not being able to meet expectations causes us pain", he said. "We've had eight successful months. Now it's the international break, and the whole squad will carry this feeling as motivation for the next two months".

Coach Mikel Arteta shakes hands with Pep Guardiola after Arsenal lost to Manchester City 0-2 in the League Cup final at Wembley Stadium, London, England on 22/3/2026. *Photo: Reuters*

During the match at Wembley on 22/3, Arsenal started with enthusiasm, creating pressure. Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka had close-range scoring opportunities but failed to beat goalkeeper James Trafford. In the second half, the Gunners lost control to Manchester City and conceded two goals from headers by Nico O'Reilly.

Arteta believed Arsenal failed to capitalize on their dominant period, a critical factor in a Wembley final. "We are very sad, especially with how the game unfolded", he expressed. "In the first half, Arsenal played better, creating the clearest chances to build momentum. But in the second half, we struggled to escape the pressing". The Spanish coach also acknowledged Manchester City's composure in decisive moments. "You can have momentum, but if you don't score, things will change. That happened at the worst possible time for us. Sometimes you have to accept the opponent did better in crucial moments. They barely had any shots but still scored from a rare situation, then capitalized on the next opportunity to finish the game. To win titles, you must do that", he stated.

Declan Rice (left) challenges Abdukodir Khusanov for the ball. *Photo: Arsenal FC*

Similarly, midfielder Declan Rice expressed disappointment after Arsenal missed the chance to secure their first title this season. "This is Wembley, you never want to lose a final. I know how much this means to the fans", he shared. "If we had taken our chances in the first half, the game could have been different. But there are still many positives, and we must keep going". Rice stressed Arsenal's strong position in the remaining competitions, urging the team to focus on the decisive phase of the season. "We are leading the Premier League, and still competing in both the FA Cup and Champions League. We could have done better today, but that's football. There's still much to look forward to in the next two months", he affirmed.

Hong Duy (via Arsenal.com)