Premier League titans set to clash in Carabao Cup Final

Last week saw the 2nd leg of the Carabao Cup Semi-finals underway as Arsenal hosted Chelsea in the Emirates. Heading to the fixture with a 3-2 aggregate lead and a 10-game undefeated streak against the Blues, the Premier League leaders looked to be the favourites. The match however seemed cagey and was neck and neck until ex-Chelsea midfielder/striker Kai Havertz slotted home in the 97th minute, giving Arsenal a narrow 1-0 victory over their London rivals and sending the squad to their first final since 2020.

Manchester City’s marquee signing in the January window, Marc Guehi, is banned from the competition due to tournament rules

The next day, title contenders Manchester City faced Newcastle United in a similar situation off the back of their 2-0 victory in St James’ Park in the 1st leg. They picked up from that line as Egyptian striker Omar Marmoush scored in the 7th minute to give the Sky Blues an early lead before doubling it in the 29th. Summer signing Tijjani Reijnders also scored in the 32nd minute, essentially sealing the game. Although Anthony Elanga’s 62nd minute goal brought some hope for the Magpies, last year’s Champions ended up losing 3-1, sending Manchester City through to their first Carabao Cup Final since 2021.

The final, scheduled to be held on 22nd March, thus becomes a repeat of the 2018 edition, where Arsenal, then under legendary coach, Arsene Wenger were defeated 0-3, granting Pep Guardiola his first trophy in England. However, now they meet under very different circumstances with none of the starting eleven on either side remaining in the club and Guardiola looking to achieve a remarkable 19th. But Mikel Arteta’s men are on their own journey to a historic quadruple and are likely the favourites ahead of the game considering they are 6 points clear in the EPL albeit a different competition.

Wembley stadium is expected to be buzzing with excitement as both teams aim to enhance their legacy

Moreover, Manchester City’s marquee signing in the January window, Marc Guehi, is banned from the competition due to tournament rules stipulating that a player will be unable to partake in the Carabao Cup if they join after the 1st leg of the Semi-Final has been played, meaning Guardiola will have to field a team without their star defender for one of the biggest fixtures of the domestic calendar, much to his dissatisfaction

“I know the rules are the rules, and I understand. I’ll say the same: I don’t understand why Antoine [Semenyo] can play, and Marc doesn’t. There’s a rule, it’s OK. We can agree and disagree, that is not the point. We’ll play another one.”

So, with Arsenal hoping to win their third-ever Carabao Cup and a first since 1992/1993 and Manchester City hoping to re-establish their dominance after a trophyless 2024/2025 season, Wembley stadium is expected to be buzzing with excitement as both teams aim to enhance their legacy in British football.