Manny Ita
Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has said winning the Carabao Cup could act as a springboard for the club to achieve further success this season. The north London side booked their place in next month’s final after defeating Chelsea at the Emirates, ending a six-year wait for a trophy.
Arsenal have enjoyed a strong campaign, sitting six points clear in the Premier League and advancing to the knockout stages of the Champions League following an unbeaten group phase. The team will also face League One side Wigan in the fourth round of the FA Cup next Sunday.
Timber reflected on the potential impact of a Carabao Cup triumph, saying, “We don’t have anything yet, but we’ve put ourselves in an amazing position to win. The Carabao Cup final is coming early, so maybe that could be nice for us as a motivation and a boost towards the other cups as well. It’s not always possible to play your best. But this team does an amazing job of finding a way to win, no matter what. We have done it away at Chelsea, where it is not easy (to win), and then at home as well. So, it is very deserved. You could see how relieved everyone was and how happy that we are going to Wembley. And hopefully there are more celebrations to come.”
Kai Havertz, who came off the bench to score in stoppage time, secured Arsenal’s victory and place in the final. The former Chelsea player has returned from nearly a year on the sidelines due to hamstring and knee surgeries and has scored twice in his last three appearances.
Timber added, “Kai’s presence within the team makes a big difference, but also on the pitch. Everyone can see his amazing qualities, and how happy we all were for Kai. He is a fun character. He is not quiet and everyone likes him. When he’s not there, I think everyone notices that, so we’re happy he’s here with us again. I hope he enjoys this moment, and hopefully there are many more moments like this for him.”
Arsenal are scheduled to return to action at the Emirates on Saturday when they host Sunderland. A win could extend their Premier League lead over Manchester City to nine points before Pep Guardiola’s side travel to face Liverpool a day later.
