Mikel Arteta wants to use Man City experience to end Arsenal trophy drought in Carabao Cup final | OneFootball

Arsenal manager has also shared his routine ahead of Carabao Cup final

The Gunners face City in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday, when they attempt to win their first trophy since the 2020 FA Cup.

Arteta is known to be superstitious, ranging from what he wears to what he eats ahead of the match. He also kisses a tattoo on his finger before the start of every match.

That will be no different on Sunday for a huge occasion when Arteta will continue to go through his familiar preparations.

"It will be my routine since I wake up," Arteta said.

"The way I do the first preparation, the way I take the shower, my clothes, my water, my food.

"It's just a routine, just tell my body, 'It's showtime. I need to be ready for it'."

The FA Cup remains Arsenal’s last major trophy win

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Arteta was in the City dugout for the Carabao Cup final in 2018, when Pep Guardiola won his first trophy at the club by beating Arsenal.

City went on to win the league title a few months later and they won both trophies again the following season.

Those experiences as Guardiola's assistant gave Arteta key insights into how to prepare players for big finals, adapting to what was needed within the squad.

"That group at the beginning was different to the third year after winning a lot of trophies and being very successful," Arteta said.

"So while the team demands you have to smell it, you have to feel it, and you have to try to click or push the right button to get them in the right emotional state to deliver what we need."

The way I do the first preparation, the way I take the shower, my clothes, my water, my food

Mikel Arteta

When Arsenal won the FA Cup in 2020, there were no fans inside Wembley due to the Covid restrictions.

That meant Arteta did not have his family in attendance either and he is dreaming of celebrating with them this time on Sunday night.

He said: "Yes, for sure. It makes it much more special.

"These are the people that are with us every single day on the journey and seeing everything that we do. At the end, it gives purpose and I think showing that gratitude to them immediately is the most important thing."