Arteta relishing Wembley trip after 'waiting years' for Arsenal to reach final

The Gunners will take on either Manchester City or Newcastle in the EFL Cup final

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says he enjoyed his side’s display as they booked a spot in the EFL Cup final on Tuesday night.

The Gunners overcame London rivals Chelsea over two legs, winning 3-2 at Stamford Bridge before running out 1-0 winners at the Emirates.

It was former Blues forward Kai Havertz who netted the only goal of the game in the second half, before pointing to the Arsenal badge in celebration, a clear sign of his loyalty despite winning the Champions League with his ex-club.

Speaking after the match, Arteta said: “Did I enjoy it? Very much – especially at the end. We knew it was going to be a real battle out there. That resilience, that clarity to understand what kind of game we had to play…we did that so well.

“There was a special atmosphere inside our stadium. It makes such a difference. We’ve been waiting a few years to get into this position and we’re certainly going to enjoy it [the final].”

Rice credits Chelsea for tough tie

Gunners midfielder Declan Rice was his usual busy self in North London, but took a humble approach to his post-match celebrations, choosing to credit Chelsea for a tough tie over two legs.

He said: “Credit to Chelsea to be fair. Since their new manager has come in they’ve been really, really good.

“They changed the formation tonight and gave us problems. On another night they could have scored but credit where it is due, our defence was incredible.

“We have a group who really want it. Whatever team comes at us, we’re ready for it. When you play a team like Chelsea they throw so many things at you physically and mentally.

“You’ve got to have that resilience to stay strong and keep going.

“We deserve it. The last three or four years we’ve been at the top of the Premier League competing and got really close but haven’t been good enough.

“That’s why this season we have that extra desire and fire in our bellies to go one step further in every competition. There’s a long way to go but to be a cup final with this club is amazing.”

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