Arteta's Wembley Wizardry and Gabriel's Haaland Hype: Gunners primed for City showdown

Ever walked into a pub quiz knowing you've got the edge because you've never lost there? That's Mikel Arteta heading to Wembley with Arsenal, unbeaten in eight previous visits as player or gaffer. But against Manchester City in Sunday's Carabao Cup final, it's not past glories that'll count – it's sheer bloody hunger for silverware.

The Gunners haven't hoisted major tinware since that FA Cup triumph in 2020, Arteta's first season. Sure, they've nabbed a couple of Community Shields, but let's be honest, those feel like participation trophies next to the real deal. As Arsenal chase a potential quadruple – still top of the Premier League by nine points, into Champions League quarters – this Wembley date is their first crack at glory this term.

Boss Man Arteta: 'It's Been Tough, Lads'

Arteta didn't mince words on the trophy drought. 'It's been hard to swallow,' he admitted, that fire in his belly as fierce as ever. The Spaniard wants to win everything, and years without a big one just amps up the drive.

'You look in the mirror, give it all, and beat the best,' he said. With City lurking in the league – Arsenal's Etihad trip looming post-break – this final's a mental minefield too. Win here, and it's rocket fuel for the title tilt. Lose? Well, City's got form in these shootouts.

Arteta shrugged off his perfect Wembley record – semis, finals, Shields, all victories. 'No favourites in a final,' he insisted. 'Let's just keep it perfect.' Cheeky, but you sense he's buzzing.

Gabriel: 'Bring on Haaland, It's a Laugh!'

Step up Gabriel, the Brazilian brick wall who's loving the scrap. Him and William Saliba relish marking Erling Haaland, that Norwegian goal machine. 'We enjoy it,' Gabriel grinned. 'He's top, I think he likes battling me too. Proper fun.'

The centre-back's all energy, pushing teammates and fans alike. 'I'll bring the fire,' he vowed. Since joining post-2020 FA Cup, he's seen Arsenal's near-misses – that 3-0 Carabao Cup drubbing by City in 2018 still stings. Now, first final since, and Gabriel's key to shutting down City's attack.

Arsenal's defence has been rock-solid, but shoutout to David Raya's Golden Glove chase. Hang on, though – Kepa Arrizabalaga starts, per reports from The Athletic. The Chelsea loanee on loan (football, eh?) has played every minute in the cups, Wembley finals his specialist subject – twice lost on pens, including that infamous 2019 no-sub meltdown.

Quadruple Dream or City Deja Vu?

Arsenal lead the Premier League, but City's no slouches – treble winners, Haaland's goals flowing. Arteta's 'attritional' style? Critics scoff at set-piece reliance, but if it bags trophies, North London won't give a monkeys.

As James Holland notes for TEAMtalk, the mentality shift's massive. Last major trophy six years back; now, quadruple on? Victory here's a springboard. Gabriel's 'good feeling', Arteta's drive – it's all there.

Wembley's calling, ninth time lucky (or perfectly unbeaten) for Arteta. City fancy it, but Gunners smell blood. Sunday's not just a cup final; it's therapy for trophy-starved souls. Who ya got? Pour another round – this'll be a belter.