Looking towards the League Cup title, Arteta says: We must take another step.

The first leg of the 2025/26 EFL Cup semi-final will feature another key match, with Arsenal traveling to Stamford Bridge to challenge Chelsea. At a press conference, Arteta stated that the players remain highly motivated, but a crucial step is still needed to win the title.

In the earlier FA Cup third round match, Arsenal defeated Portsmouth 4-1 thanks to an own goal and Martinelli's hat-trick.

It's worth mentioning that Arsenal lost to Newcastle in both legs of the English League Cup semi-final last season, thus missing out on the title.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said, "The players are highly motivated and fully committed because we can clearly feel that this is where we want to be. To achieve our goals, we must take another step, and that's what tomorrow's task is."

“The more games we play, the more helpful it is, because it motivates the team and brings a different kind of energy. It makes you feel like the goal is very close, which is a huge motivation for everyone. So we know very well that the team is only two games away from the final. We have to take it one game at a time, and the first one is at Stamford Bridge.”

Arteta emphasized, "Football always gives people new opportunities. Our performance in this competition remains very consistent, and now we must eliminate another strong team to reach the final, which is our mission. Hopefully, we can learn from last season, because being eliminated is really painful, especially the process of the game and how many opportunities we missed, ultimately failing to advance. Hopefully, we can do better and be more efficient this season."

"When you get to this stage and into the finals, and finally cross the finish line to win the championship, it brings energy and belief, and it also makes everyone feel that they are part of the success. So I think it's a very special experience because if you win the game, everyone will remember it, and if you don't win, nobody will remember it. So once you get to that point, you have to get it done."

In addition, Arteta added, "We are very much looking forward to tomorrow's big game and to seeing how we perform in this environment to achieve our goals."