Havertz “deserves the best” after semi-final winner, says Arteta | OneFootball

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta credited Kai Havertz’s attitude after his late winner, sending the Gunners to the Carabao Cup final.

The Gunners edged past Chelsea 1–0 at the Emirates Stadium, sealing a 4–2 aggregate victory and a first cup final appearance since 2020.

Arteta credited his match winner’s day-to-day conduct following what he described as a “special” moment for the German.

He said: “I think everybody that knows Kai a little bit, we feel generally happy for him in a special way.

“He deserves the best, the way he works, the way he treats people, the way he behaves every single day. Today was a special moment for him.”

Arteta went on to say felt his side were worthy winners across the two legs.

“Two games, I think we deserved to be through,” he said.

“It was a long match, we expected that. We wrapped it up at the end in a beautiful way with Kai scoring the goal in the manner that he did and the reaction from the crowd.

“The starters, the finishers, the staff, it just was magical.”

The Arsenal boss praised both his players and the atmosphere inside the Emirates, highlighting how the supporters helped carry the team through a nervy finale.

He said: “I think the crowd was brilliant today. It brought so much energy and belief to the team in different moments that it was very much needed.

“I think we all deserve to be together in Wembley in a few weeks’ time.”

Chelsea altered their approach to a back four in the second half, forcing Arsenal to adapt, but Arteta was pleased with how his side managed the game, limiting the visitors while creating just enough at the other end.

“We knew that we’re going to have to play a lot of games within that game,” the Spaniard explained.

“We’re going to have to be very flexible and smart using the bench and the adjustments that we have to make. The margins are going to be small because they are a really good side.”

After four previous semi-final exits under Arteta, this victory will feel especially significant.

The former Arsenal midfielder said it can act as a springboard for the remainder of a season in which Arsenal are competing on multiple fronts.

“It’s the best vitamins that we can put in our bodies,” he said.

“You work so hard to achieve those moments and to have these moments together, it’s just magical.”

The scenes on the bench told their own story, with substitutes sprinting onto the pitch to celebrate with Havertz it’s a sign, Arteta believes, of a unified squad.

“They all feel that this is their own,” he said.

“The merit is there. And now we’re going to have to go on and win it.”

Wembley now awaits, but Arteta was quick to remind everyone that attention now turns back to the Premier League.

But after a disciplined display, this felt like a defining step forward for a team learning how to close out big occasions.