Yahoo Sports Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal need trophies now
Mikel Arteta says Arsenal have to expect to win trophies every year, with the Gunners fighting on four fronts this month.
On Tuesday night, Arsenal will host Newcastle United in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final. Win the tie, and the Gunners will head to Wembley for their first cup final since 2020.
The Gunners won that previous FA Cup final against Chelsea, and they’ve lifted the Community Shield twice since then.
But despite clear improvements to the team on the pitch and a consistent increase in Premier League points, there haven’t been any further major honours for manager Mikel Arteta.
Speaking about the possibility of winning a trophy this season, Arteta admitted it’s what the club has to expect. Not just this year, but every year.
“Would I like it? For sure. Expected? I don’t know because we know the level of opposition that we have in games,” Arteta said. “But as a club we have to expect to win and win every year, for sure.
“We work every single day to achieve that to bring joy to our people and there is not a single moment that stands out more than when you have that cup and you are offering that cup to the supporters and you are sharing it with the people you work with every day.
“It’s the icing on the cake. They are memories that stick in your mind and hopefully we can create many more.”
Arsenal are in a good position to challenge for at least one trophy this season.
Despite the six-point gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool, Arsenal remain their closest rivals. The Gunners are also third in the Champions League’s League Phase, and as mentioned, they’re in the semi-final of the League Cup.
On top of that, the FA Cup kicks off later this week, with Arsenal welcoming Manchester United to the Emirates Stadium.
The next month could be make or break for the team. A few wins could see the Gunners progressing in the cups, moving into the Champions League round-of-16, and gaining on Liverpool.
A few defeats could see the cup runs end, the title race becoming a formality, and an unwanted Champions League play-off being added to the calendar. It’s time for Arteta’s side to make good on expectations.
