Paul Merson has claimed that the Carabao Cup final gives Arsenal confidence they can win a quadruple title and could decide Pep Guardiola’s future at Manchester City.
For the first time in the competition’s history, the Carabao Cup final will be contested between the top two teams from the top flight, and the showdown at Wembley could have a huge impact on the start of the season.
With Arsenal remaining in all four competitions and City still within reach of a domestic treble, Merson said the Gunners could look to their win over Liverpool in the 1987 League Cup final as an example of how this competition could be a springboard to success.
Read below to find out what the Magic Man has to say about Sunday’s Carabao Cup final, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports…
Sunday, March 22nd 3:30pm
4:30pm kickoff
Arsenal can open the season if they win this final.
If Arsenal win this final, they’ll have to believe in quadruples. Given their cup draws, league standings and the state of the team, it won’t be long before that happens.
This is the most difficult game for Arsenal. This is a one-off football match against the back-to-back winners who have been to Wembley before.
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Paul Merson talks to Bukayo Saka ahead of the Carabao Cup final
The Premier League is over for me. A nine-point lead means Arsenal have to lose a couple of games before the season ends. We have two games against Sporting Lisbon, so it will be okay if we struggle for 30 to 40 minutes. Another good draw against Southampton in the FA Cup.
That’s a big thing for these players. I remember being in the Arsenal team when they beat Liverpool in this final in 1987, when they were on the fringes of the first team. That was a big deal. It was a trophy that gave Arsenal a boost under manager George Graham and got us over the line.
Paul Merson scored the last time Arsenal won the League Cup in 1993.
I know they lost to Luton the following year, but they went on to win the league twice, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the European Cup Winners’ Cup, all by beating Liverpool in the final.
If they lose, you know the headlines the next day. Then, during the international break, they played against England and were brutally slaughtered by their rivals. And only we know how it will affect the players.
If they lose, their staff could be knocked out. I don’t think it will happen, but psychologically it will happen – especially if Man City beat them in the Premier League soon.
But if Arsenal win the match, what chances do other teams have?
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Jamie Redknapp meets Eberechi Eze at Arsenal’s training ground to discuss Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester City
If Pep loses, is now the time?
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After Man City’s defeat by Real Madrid and their expulsion from the Champions League, Pep Guardiola admitted his team was “not complete” compared to his previously successful teams.
It’s a big game for Pep Guardiola. I don’t know if he’s made up his mind about his future, but this game might make him even more determined.
Arsenal could win by double digits in the league, Man City could lose to Arsenal in the final, other teams could get stronger and there could be times when we have to leave at the right time. And this might be it.
He’s still the best coach of all time. But if Guardiola wins the league this season, it will probably be his greatest achievement with Man City. They’re not the same team they were four or five years ago.
At the time I looked at the nine points and said Arsenal would win if they drew one or two games, but I don’t think Man City will win all eight remaining games.
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Manchester City’s Antoine Semenyo reflects on his journey from the lower levels of football and what winning a trophy means ahead of the Carabao Cup final
A critical choice dilemma
Kepa Arrizabalaga played in every game for Arsenal in this Carabao Cup, scoring a goal. I need to follow him. It’s classy, and even if you don’t win, at least you’ll stay classy. It’s not right to play David Raya.
Kepa and James Trafford are under intense pressure. If we conceded a goal, everyone would wonder if Raya or Gianluigi Donnarumma would have conceded the goal because the other two are mediocre. The best of the best goalkeepers.
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Former Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri furious that Kepa Arrizabalaga refused to be substituted against Man City ahead of penalty shoot-out in 2019
I think Arsenal will use Victor Goqueres up front alongside Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard, but it would be a shock if he doesn’t start. Man City would have a lot of the ball and Arsenal would keep the ball diagonally in place of Gokeres who can run and cause problems. Then Kai Havertz was introduced in 15 to 20 minutes.
When it comes to Erling Haaland, service is always important. He won the ball on the halfway line, beat two players and is not going to chip the goalkeeper. And I don’t think he’s being served fast enough.
On Sunday, they will have to play quick diagonals and quick balls over the top to start the game. If they keep spinning it, he’ll be facing William Saliba and Gabriel — it’s going to be a long, long day for him.
But if they can go fast, it’s going to be a long day for them.
