Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders has fired an early warning to Arsenal, insisting the Carabao Cup final will be a serious battle despite the Premier League gap between the sides.
City booked their Wembley spot with a ruthless 5-1 aggregate dismantling of Newcastle United, setting up a showdown with the Gunners on March 22. But speaking after the semi final victory, the Dutch international was quick to talk up Mikel Arteta’s side, refusing to be drawn on any table based complacency.
“Yes, of course. It will be a tough match, but we will be very hungry and we want to win this title,” Reijnders told Sky Sports. “They play amazing and they are a really balanced team. We have to analyse and see where we can gain our strength.”
His respect is well founded. Arsenal ground out a 4-2 aggregate win over Chelsea to reach their first final under Arteta, showing a resilience that has sometimes eluded them in recent years. They’ll head to Wembley desperate to end a trophy drought stretching back to the 2020 FA Cup.
City, meanwhile, have looked unusually vulnerable at times this season, with injuries disrupting their defence. Ruben Dias has only just returned, Josko Gvardiol remains sidelined, and they’ll be without the cup tied Marc Guehi. Yet, with Erling Haaland leading the line, a man who has scored in each of his last three games against Arsenal, they remain a formidable threat.
The tactical duel in midfield is likely to be decisive. Arsenal’s engine room has been a strength this campaign, and if they can dominate possession and stifle City’s creative hubs, they’ll fancy their chances. History offers some hope too: the Gunners are unbeaten in their last six meetings with City across all competitions, including a 1-1 draw at the Emirates earlier this term.
For City, this final represents a chance to claim the first silverware of the season and maintain their domestic dominance. For Arsenal, it’s an opportunity to finally get over the line under Arteta and prove their project is ready to deliver tangible success. Reijnders’ polite praise aside, expect a fiercely contested, nerve shredding afternoon at Wembley next month.
