Arsenal

I don't think this game has any bearing on the Premier League title race.

The narrative that has been doing the rounds for a long time is that whoever wins this game wins the title, but that is not the case now - City are not catching Arsenal, whatever happens at Wembley.

City are out of the Champions League now but I have got to say I thought they were brilliant on Tuesday against Real Madrid, before and after they went down to 10 men.

They went for it and they were not just brave, they created plenty of chances.

With the nature of the Premier League this season, I think this will be a very different game, however.

I fear this will be a really ugly and dull encounter, where both teams avoid taking risks.

Sutton's prediction: 0-0 after extra time, City to win on penalties

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes says that Arsenal are "excited" and ready for a "big battle" against Manchester City in Sunday's Carabao Cup final.

The Gunners are having an excellent season and are top of the Premier League, into the quarter-finals of the Champions League and FA Cup, while they have their first shot at silverware against City at Wembley.

Arsenal have not won a major trophy since they lifted the FA Cup in Mikel Arteta's first season in charge and many believe that if they are able to win the Carabao Cup, it could spur them on to further success in other competitions.

"Like we said before, we are in all competitions, so of course we want to win every game," Gabriel said.

"I think we are very excited for this game. We know it's going to be a big battle, but we are ready for this and try to win of course."

The 28-year-old has been one of Arsenal's standout players this season and his partnership with William Saliba is a key component of the Gunners' team.

Gabriel has picked up the tag of being an "old school" centre-back because of the way that he celebrates blocks and in one memorable stop against Bayer Leverkusen, the Brazilian international was hit in the neck as he stopped a shot.

"I think we train a lot. Like I said, I've watched a lot of defenders before.

"I think beautiful football is not only a beautiful pass, but also when you defend, the way you defend. Like I said, I try to bring energy to everyone and help my team-mates." Gabriel said.

The defender was one of Mikel Arteta's first permanent signings at the club and for him to lift a trophy would showcase the progression at Arsenal during his six years in north London.

"When I joined the club, the project was really good. And yes, we know how big is Arsenal.

"Of course, I'm here to win trophies. Like I say, we learn a lot and now we have the opportunity." Gabriel said.

Laura Kirk-Francis
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

A win against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final this weekend would be monumental to the fans for so many reasons.

There is first the element of vengeance for all the misery that Manchester City have heaped on Arsenal and it would be an undeniable proof point that this Arsenal team are a better side than the City behemoth.

With Arsenal currently nine points clear in the Premier League it might even provide that little extra momentum for Arsenal to finally bring the title home to north London. The Gunners are in an excellent position, but for all the jokes about getting ready for the parade, you'd struggle to find an Arsenal fan writing off Manchester City entirely.

All season the Arsenal players have been praised for their resilience. This group of players, with whom it's no exaggeration to say the fanbase are totally enamoured, deserve this win. Much to the chagrin of rival fanbases, Arsenal have excelled at finding a way to win and a trophy would be a just reward.

An Arsenal loss on the other hand would be gutting for the fans.

But this is a mentally strong team. They have just qualified for the Champions League quarter-finals, face Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-final and are in pole position in the league.

A loss in the final would be a setback, but this squad has dealt with setbacks magnificently all season. Since conceding a last minute equaliser at Wolves back in February, Arsenal have won six of their last seven games. Having lost to Aston Villa back in December, Arsenal went on a 12-game unbeaten run. It would hurt, but these players know how much is at stake beyond the final itself.

Win, and Arsenal go into the business end of the season full of confidence. Lose and the Premier League title race is still in Arsenal's hands. It's a magnificent place to be in.

Find more from Laura Kirk-Francis at the Latte Firm podcast, external

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley (kick-off 16:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• He is hopeful Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber can be available for the final, but a decision will be made after "another training session" on Saturday.

• Arteta said "we'll see" when asked whether Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has played in the previous rounds, will be the starting goalkeeper.

• He said it has been "difficult" to pick his starting XI as "everybody has been involved in the competition" and deserves to play.

• He said he's not nervous, and instead "excited, enthusiastic and positive" ahead of the final.

• On the stat that he is unbeaten at Wembley as a player and manager with Arsenal: "Let's keep it that way. Let's hope that in a few hours we can do the same."

• He said they "need players to step up and make a difference" in order to win the trophy, as it's "going to be one of the defining moments" of their season.

• More from Arteta on the importance of winning: "At the end of the day it is about whether you win the trophy or not. We need to prove that point, that's clear, and it has to be done on the pitch."

• On the prospect of winning at Wembley in front of fans, after lifting the FA Cup under Covid restrictions: "I have done it when that stadium has been full. It is exceptional and one of the best memories I have. That is why we are all very excited because we know what is at stake. We really want it and know what it is going to mean for our people as well."

Listen to build-up and live commentary of the Carabao Cup final on BBC Radio 5 Live from 16:15 GMT on Sunday.

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Got a question about Arsenal? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Arsenal co-chairman Josh Kroenke has flown in from the United States to attend this weekend's Carabao Cup final against Manchester City.

Kroenke has arrived in London for Sunday's showpiece at Wembley, which could see the Gunners secure their first trophy en route to what could be a historic quadruple.

Victory this weekend would also represent the club's first piece of silverware since Mikel Arteta led Arsenal to FA Cup glory in 2020 at an empty Wembley because of the covid-19 pandemic.

Kroenke is, by-and-large, based out of the US but makes regular visits to London in his role as one of the club's key figureheads.

There are also indications that Kroenke family patriarch Stan, founder of Kroenke Sports and Entertainment who own Arsenal, could attend provided his schedule allows.

The 78-year-old's presence at Arsenal is more infrequent than that of son Josh, who takes a greater hand in the running of the club.

During his stay in London, Josh is likely to meet with Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta to be updated on the club's plans for the summer transfer window.

Despite spending about £250m on new players last summer, Arsenal will look to strengthen the squad before next season, though there is likely to be an emphasis on rebalancing finances with sales to help supplement spending.

It is understood Arsenal have identified full-back, central midfielder and left wing as areas that require strengthening.

The issue of Arteta's contract also needs addressing, with the Spaniard's current deal due to expire at the end of next season.

Arteta, whose current deal is understood to be worth £15m a season inclusive of bonuses, has established a reputation as one of European football's top coaches and would earn a sizeable increase on his existing terms should he commit beyond the summer of 2027.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has named his 35-man squad for the two friendlies against Uruguay and Japan in March.

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Manchester City), Aaron Ramsdale (Newcastle United), Jason Steele (Brighton & Hove Albion).

Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Marc Guéhi (Manchester City), Lewis Hall (Newcastle United), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur), John Stones (Manchester City), Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan).

Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), James Garner (Everton), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace).

Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, loan from Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Dominic Solanke (Tottenham Hotspur).

There are 13 players involved who weren't in the last squad back in November, while there's a first senior call-up for Everton midfielder James Garner and Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele.

Scarlet Katz Roberts
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

For a season in which Arsenal are still alive on four fronts, it has been surprisingly lacking in jaw-dropping moments. Max Dowman's breakaway goal now sits proudly alongside Reiss Nelson's strike at the death against Bournemouth in 2023.

It's hard not to draw some kind of equivalence between the delirium of an academy prospect tearing the length of the field after beating two men, and the flair we displayed against Leverkusen. Magic moments are rocket fuel.

We've been criticised this season for being ruthlessly methodical, field-tilt monsters. Our play style has taken us to this point. This is now (to some extent) irrelevant. It's time for the protagonists to step forward.

The Leverkusen game marked the first time this campaign Bukayo Saka has started three games in a week. He will surely start again on Sunday. It was notable too, that Mikel Arteta turned to Dowman with 20 minutes left against Everton: quality talks.

No Arsenal fan will be unhappy if we don't lift the League Cup, then go on to win the Premier League, the Champions League, throw in the FA Cup too! But we need to lean into the magic. Lift that trophy on Sunday and the Arsenal world will be flooded with good feeling - to be liberally injected as inspiration for the final dash.

Arsenal have long been accused of lacking individual attacking brilliance, something Sunday's opponents are lauded for.

Eberechi Eze already possesses a magical repertoire, the scorer of the goal that won Crystal Palace their first major trophy (against City). He's also famous for bringing his best in the clutch. This epochal stage of the season feels deserving of goals like his strike midweek. Here's hoping he's been saving his best till last.

Find more from Scarlet Katz Roberts at the Goal Difference podcast, external

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We are getting to the stage of the season where every Premier League team is managing injuries in their squad as the sheer volume and intensity of games begins to take its toll.

But who has been most affected by injuries across the campaign so far?

Ben Dinnery, from Premier Injuries Limited, has provided the data below, showing the number of domestic injuries each top-flight team has suffered, defined by a player missing at least one Premier League game.

The data has been taken from the opening weekend up to and including 18 March.

Despite this table listing domestic injuries, it is unsurprising that the top three of Arsenal, Chelsea and Aston Villa have all competed in European competition, with the Gunners still fighting on four fronts and the Blues also coming off the back of a much-shortened pre-season following their Club World Cup victory.

Perhaps more surprisingly, however, is the fact Arsenal's 31 domestic injuries so far comfortably leads the way, illustrating the strength and depth available to Mikel Arteta to still have his side nine points clear at the top of the table.

The graphic below shows Tottenham lead the way for days missed by injured players, illustrating the issues faced by Thomas Frank, who had to cope with long-term absentees including Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison.

Both West Ham and Brentford are in the bottom three for domestic injuries and days missed through those injuries, while Arsenal and Villa are in the top three for both.

Chelsea drop down the table when looking at days missed, showing they have predominately suffered from short absences spread throughout the squad.

It is worth pointing out that Newcastle's two longest absences this season - Emil Krafth (120 days) and Yoane Wissa (88 days), who had not yet even trained with his new side, resulted from injuries picked up on international duty and are not factored into the figures.

Pundits Nedum Onouha, Stephen Warnock and Guillem Balague join host Kelly Cates to bring you the action and talking points from the Champions League lat-16 second legs.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Man City 1-2 (1-5) Real Madrid

• Arsenal 2-0 (3-1) Bayer Leverkusen

• Newcastle 7-2 (8-3) Barcelona

• Liverpool 4-0 (4-1) Galatasary

Chris Howard
Fan writer

We were told by Crystal Palace fans that Eberechi Eze comes alive in the 'business end' of the season, but sometimes unless you see things with your own eyes, you never really believe it.

If his performance in the away leg was all touches and little end product, this was a very obvious step-up from a man who Thomas Tuchel might be eyeing up for a starting place in the England squad, at this rate.

His goal yesterday was, quite simply, sensational. It was a goal worthy of winning every game, and his celebration afterwards was too cold.

All Arsenal fans have been behind him; we feel a sense of 'living through another's actions' when we see a boyhood Arsenal fan doing the business for his club. We can picture ourselves in that position and the joy of that ball hitting the net.

But none of us are Eze; his ball striking has so much power in it, it really is something to watch live and in the flesh. We saw it against Mansfield, but that can be easily dismissed given the inferior opposition.

In the Champions League, it was a stubborn and decent opponent in Leverkusen, and it always felt as though something would need to happen to break the deadlock against a Leverkusen keeper who was playing a blinder until that point.

Eze stepped up. One touch to set, then 'BANG'.

Given we've been told repeatedly how Arsenal don't play exciting football, that it isn't great to watch, this was one that flew in the face of such accusations. It was a brilliant finish on a night in which Arsenal set themselves up - confidence-wise - perfectly for the League Cup on Sunday. Bring it on.

Find more from Chris Howard at Suburban Gooners, external and the Same Old Arsenal Podcast, external

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We asked for your views on Arsenal's 2-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.

Here are some of your comments:

Vince: Might be a coincidence but the team appears determined to shake off the "ugly winners" tag that was unfairly pinned on them a couple of games ago. This win, and the previous one, showcased goals from open play, including Eze's beauty last night and Dowman's superb solo effort against Everton. Not one came from set plays or dead balls. More importantly, the boys reminded everyone that they are capable of winning with any kind of football. Bring on City!

Ned: All this success is confusing for Arsenal fans. If we win the quadruple and Tottenham get relegated, what else is there? Do Arsenal retire as a club? Can we all finally stop watching football?

Robin: The one continued disappointment is Saka. Madueke miles ahead currently as would be Nwaneri. And captain... Really? There were at least four or five players more suited tonight. Send him on holiday for three weeks and hope he turns up for the run in.

Okumu: Performance of champions , but the squad depth must be considered for a boost up in the summer to give both Zubimendi and Rice some moments of rotation rests.

Dan: Well played from start to finish, and both goals from open play not set pieces. I feel we are on to something special this season, but taking it one game at a time. COYG!

Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Declan Rice is called "The Horse" by his Arsenal team-mates and his performance in the 2-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen again showed why he has more than earned that nickname.

Rice's season has been defined by all-action 90-minute displays for the Gunners - and he is producing them every three days as his side chase silverware on four fronts.

The midfielder curled a powerful shot into the bottom corner for Arsenal's second on Tuesday night, giving the Gunners a two-goal aggregate lead with less than 30 minutes left that allowed Mikel Arteta to rest some key players with the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City on Sunday in mind.

But one player who stayed on the pitch as Arsenal ran out 3-1 winners on aggregate was Rice.

The 27-year-old has played the third-most minutes of any outfielder for Arsenal - behind midfield partner Martin Zubimendi and the now-injured Jurrien Timber - starting in 37 of his 43 appearances this term.

His goal against Leverkusen - adding to Eberechi Eze's powerful first-half strike - was his fifth this season and he has registered 11 assists, with his excellent delivery from corners a key weapon for the Gunners.

Rice and Zubimendi are one of the key partnerships in the Arsenal team. The pair run the midfield and their importance has risen with captain Martin Odegaard's injury issues this season.

Both midfielders were given a rare rest in the win over Mansfield Town in the FA Cup fifth round, but with crunch games coming thick and fast, their availability is going to be key.

They provide a solid base in front of the Arsenal back four and Rice's running power and ability to be effective at both ends of the pitch were on show again on Tuesday.

"He was immense," Mikel Arteta said. "The soul of the team."

"I don't think Declan Rice gets much of a break, he features in nearly every game and keeps churning out the performance," former Arsenal defender Matt Upson told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"It's pretty remarkable stuff. Physically, he's an absolute machine," said Upson.

Read more on Rice 'The Horse'

Former Arsenal defender Matthew Upson says the Gunners were "comfortable" in Tuesday's Champions League win over Bayer Leverkusen.

Goals in either half from Eberechi Eze and Declan Rice sent Mikel Arteta's side into the quarter-finals, where they will play Portuguese side Sporting.

"They were back to that Arsenal you see at home when the match starts and they are just on the opposition," Upson told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"They were all over them, pressing them, not allowing them to play out.

"Leverkusen could never really get a foothold in the game. Arsenal were not creating masses of chances at the start but then all of a sudden the corners started flowing, then the opportunities came, then the opposition got stretched and ragged. The back three of Leverkusen had to defend the box, the goalkeeper made a few saves, and they were under siege.

"It took a bit of brilliance from Eberechi Eze to score the first goal and from then on you just never felt like Arsenal were not going to go through.

"In the second half, Leverkusen came out and were better and had a bit of a go but didn't have the cutting edge. That is the difference.

"Against a Paris St-Germain or Real Madrid, that level will go up a notch or two and that will be the real test to see where this Arsenal team is at this season, but in this fixture they were comfortable, business-like and calm.

"The stadium was in a positive mood and it was relatively straightforward in the end."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Arsenal will face competition from Juventus for 31-year-old Germany midfielder Leon Goretzka, who is set to leave Bayern Munich when his contract expires in the summer. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian), external

Meanwhile, the Gunners and Manchester United and are both keen on Newcastle and Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali, 25. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Alex Howell
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

This confidence-boosting win was ideal for Arsenal before their first opportunity of silverware against Manchester City at the weekend.

Eberechi Eze looks to be finding his feet as Arsenal's number 10 while captain Martin Odegaard is out injured and his superb strike will only further increase his confidence as the big games keep coming at this stage of the season.

Mikel Arteta spoke before this game about how the experience of previous Champions League ties will help his team as they look to become serial contenders in the competition.

The Gunners boss has transformed the club since he took over in 2019 and this victory over Bayer Leverkusen was their 14th in 17 home games in the Champions League under the Spaniard.

The next step for this impressive team, who have only lost three games in all competitions this season, is to add trophies.

The first chance Arsenal have to break their six-year trophy drought is on Sunday and they will hope that, if they are victorious against City, that it will push them on to win more than one competition this season.

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, speaking in the post-match news conference: "We started the game so well, and we were a threat from every angle. Their keeper kept them in the game, and we needed a magical moment from Ebs [Eberechi Eze] to give us the lead.

"Then, in the second half, Declan's action gave us the opportunity to win the game, and we had four or five situations where we should've scored a third, but overall, we fully deserved to win and be into the quarter-finals.

"Ebs is playing every three days, he has rhythm, has an understanding with the players and this [the goal] is why he is here. He is building an understanding with all of them and when you start to make key moments in games, that lifts your confidence.

"Declan was immense, him and the whole team - the manner they go into every ball and the passion they show is remarkable."

Arsenal goalscorer and player of the match Declan Rice, speaking to TNT Sports: "I'm shattered, it's non-stop. We're in all the competitions still, so it's been every three days since October. We deal with it the best we can, but it's difficult. We find ways to win and it's all good. Everyone asks where I get my energy from. I just get this second burst of energy."

On his goal: "I stepped in front of him, the first touch set me up for everything, there was nowhere else to go, so I just went for it. You find it in your belly somewhere to keep on fighting, to make the tackles, to win."

On Eberechi Eze: "There aren't many players that I've seen that can hit the ball like him. We need to get him on the ball more."

Did you know?

• Arsenal have won 37 of their 49 games in all competitions this season (D9 L3). Only in 2001-02 (39) and 1970-71 (41) have they ever won more in a single campaign (also 37 in 2003-04).

• Arsenal have reached the UEFA Champions League quarter-final in three consecutive seasons for the second time, previously doing so between 2007-08 and 2009-10.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

What did you make of Arsenal's performance?

Come back on Wednesday for a selection of your replies

Ben White comes in to start for Arsenal for the injured Jurrien Timber. Piero Hincapie replaces Riccardo Calafiori and Viktor Gyokeres starts as the Gunners striker. After his record-breaking goal against Everton on Sunday, 16-year-old Max Dowman is on the bench.

Leandro Trossard returns from the hip complaint that ruled him out at the weekend, with Noni Madueke dropping to the bench, while Viktor Gyokeres leads the line up front.

Arsenal starting XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Rice, Zubimendi, Eze, Saka, Trossard, Gyokeres

Subs: Arrizabalaga, Ranson, Mosquera, Jesus, Martinelli, Norgaard, Madueke, Havertz, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly, Dowman

Kasper Hjulmand names the same Bayer Leverkusen side that drew with Arsenal in the first leg.

Leverkusen starting XI: Blaswich, Quansah, Andrich, Tapsoba, Poku, Grimaldo, Garcia, Palacios, Maza, Terrier, Kofane

Subs: Omlin, Lomb, Fernandez, Hofmann, Tillman, Schick, Oermann, Tape, Culbreath