Mikel Arteta is not underestimating the importance of the EFL Cup for Arsenal and says silverware would give the Gunners new faith after a frustrating start to the season.
Arsenal have had a disappointing season so far, trailing Premier League leaders Liverpool – who have a game in hand – by six points after Saturday's 0-0 draw with Everton.
In terms of points won from the first 16 games of the season, Arteta's side have regressed over the past three years, earning 30 this season.
They had 43 points and led the Premier League by seven points at this stage of the 2022-2023 season, while they were only one point behind Liverpool at this stage of the 2023-2024 season.
Arsenal have pushed Manchester City close to the title in each of the last two seasons, but with their hopes already dimmed this season, fans have wondered whether Arteta should focus on the domestic cups.
Arteta believes winning a major trophy, which Arsenal have not done since winning the FA Cup in his first full season at the helm in 2019/20, would give them new impetus.
“It brings belief, confidence and positive energy,” he said on Tuesday, ahead of the EFL Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium.
One of the stars of the #CarabaoCup this season!
Can Ethan Nwaneri help @Arsenal to the semi-finals? #EFL pic.twitter.com/ptIGkH8EOQ
— Carabao Cup (@Carabao_Cup) December 5, 2024
“Beating someone in the semi-finals and finals generates that energy and creates the right path to do something else.
“If you win, you get going and you go to the next competition. It helps to create something different around these types of games, which is very important. The team is always involved every three days.”
Arsenal have been criticized for their attacking mistakes this season. The Gunners have relied heavily on set pieces and lead the Premier League in goals (eight) and expected goals (9.01 xG) from such scenarios, with 27.6% of their goals coming from dead balls.
However, they are only averaging 1.12 goals, 1.06 xG and 9.8 shots from open play per league match this season, down from figures of 1.47 goals, 1.44 xG and 13 shots last season.
Arteta isn't worried, though, saying: “That's always the story. If you score five or three goals, you don't talk about it. That's normal.”
“It doesn't change for us. We want to score three or five. Even though we didn't score on Saturday, we want to do better.”
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