Arsenal

Image source, PA Media

Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix has received his first call-up to the France national team as a replacement for injured Arsenal defender William Saliba.

Saliba played in Sunday's Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City but has withdrawn from international duty because of an ankle problem.

Lacroix, 25, will join up with the France squad that play friendlies against Brazil and Colombia in the United States.

Manchester United are eyeing a surprise move for Arsenal left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly with the groundwork in place for a deal to sign the 19-year-old England international. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

Image source, Getty Images

Pep Guardiola was lost in the moment as he pumped his fists in delight towards Manchester City's jubilant supporters, the significance of the victory underlined by the crushing bearhugs he gave his players and backroom staff after the final whistle.

Arsenal, in contrast, were desolate as they missed the chance to win a first trophy since the FA Cup in 2020, the result of a timid performance lacking in attacking ambition until it was too late.

City and Guardiola's mission was not simply to win the Carabao Cup. It was to put on the sort of dominant performance that might sow seeds of doubt in Arsenal's minds as they hold a nine-point lead in the Premier League title race.

It was the ideal stage for both sides to make a statement. Manchester City made theirs. Arsenal fluffed every line.

Whether this result has wider ramifications remains to be seen.

Will it fuel City for a late rally in the league? Will the disappointment of this defeat derail Arsenal?

City must hope it has inflicted psychological damage on their rivals. The Gunners must regroup and show the reserves of strength that have sustained their season.

So, are you concerned this loss have an impact on the Premier League campaign? Is there a danger the disappointment could derail the campaign, or can Arsenal keep all competitions separate in their minds?

Get in touch with your views here

Read more McNulty analysis on the EFL Cup final

Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter

For Mikel Arteta, it did not enter his mind to not play Kepa Arrizabalaga on Sunday.

The Arsenal manager said it would have been "very unfair" if he had not stuck with the Spain international, who had played every round of the cup competition before the final, and said he accepts the scrutiny coming his way.

"I understand that, but I have to do what I feel is right, honest and fair," said Arteta.

"And I think we have an understanding keeper in Kepa - he's played all the competition and I think it would have been very, very unfair for him and for the team to do something different."

The former Chelsea goalkeeper signed for the Gunners in the summer to compete with first-choice David Raya.

Raya has 15 clean sheets in the Premier League, the most in the division, and has produced some standout saves during this campaign as Arsenal look to end their wait for a trophy.

And Arteta said that, despite Kepa's limited game time this season, he did not guarantee that the goalkeeper would play in Arsenal's cup fixtures.

"I can never promise a player to play certain competitions, because at the end they have to earn it and they have to do enough, like any other position," he said.

"We are guided by what we've seen and what he's done in the competition, and he helped us to go all the way through here.

"I believe it's the right thing to do and that's it. Errors are part of football and today it happened unfortunately in a crucial moment."

The EFL Cup brings bad memories for Kepa, who has now lost all three of the finals he has played in the competition.

When playing for Chelsea in 2019, he refused to be substituted with the game heading to penalties, and in 2022, he put his penalty over the crossbar as the Blues lost to Liverpool in the shootout - and his error in this year's final handed the lead to Manchester City.

"I would never have started Kepa today," European football expert Julien Laurens told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"In a final like this, at this moment in the Arsenal project, there is no moment for sentiment. Your best team has to play. Kepa instead of David Raya was the wrong call.

"I know it is harsh but I think Arteta and his players will learn a lot from today because those finals are won on decisions made, not just on the pitch but at half-time."

Kepa was booked before conceding the opener, when he misjudged a clearance and pulled back winger Jeremy Doku as he looked to score.

"Mikel Arteta did not have to play him," former England and Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart told BBC Sport.

"That's a decision made by a manager who's potentially going to win quite a lot this season. So he's played Kepa because he believes he's ready.

"But I'll always say it, don't ever feel sorry for a goalkeeper. That's the life that he's chosen.

"And again, most of the game he was faultless. But in that big moment obviously he'll have something to reflect on."

Read more on the 'sentimental' goalkeeping call that cost Arsenal here

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's EFL Cup final between Arsenal and Manchester City

Here are some of your comments:

Arsenal fans

Graham: Typical Mikel Arteta - conservative safe football. Too slow to make changes, especially when it was obvious City were threatening second half. Why wait until there's 20 minutes left and 2-0 down to make subs? Too many players below par and not one Arsenal player should take their wages - pathetic display. Massive week in April and if we fail to respond against Southampton and Sporting then Arteta needs to ask if he's the man for the job. He's had the money to buy but is he the innovator to inspire us to glory?

Jeff: Arteta's stupidity cost Arsenal the game. It's a final, play your best team - end of story. The instructions he gave at half-time simply had no effect. Arsenal edged the first half, could have been in front but were simply blown away by a team that wanted to win in the second half. Can they recover and finally win something this year? I hope so, but fear for the future with Arteta in charge.

Dyfi: We got what we deserved. It was the wrong team selection - when you get to any final you put out your best team and make a proper game of it. Poor tactics. To be honest, we've only just managed to beat poorer opposition since Christmas. Manchester City were too strong and too organised. There is still a gulf between them and us when it comes to the crunch. We could have played all day and not had a shot.

JJ: Rubbish! Arteta's decision-making and tactics were dire. This is the worst Arsenal have been all season.

Les: Arteta has to be responsible for this result. Having picked his team and watched the first half, it was very clear where the changes had to be made, but he waited too long. Sorry to say it, but Bukayo Saka is not the attacking player he was, or the right player to be captain.

Man City fans

Malc: Great win and a great attacking team picked. Let's see where this leads in the league. Arsenal were poor, they hardly played, although their set-pieces took up a lot of the time!

Youssef: Really chuffed with the lads. It all started with James Trafford's triple save - then, in the second half, we were dominating. Everyone shone, especially our boy Nico O'Reilly. Absolutely buzzing. For Arsenal, bottle one out of four.

Andy: Magnificent second-half performance from the Blues. We were worthy winners. Let's hope we get back on track in the league. Come on, City!

Ian: A totally dominant second-half performance. City were outstanding!

Karl: Arsenal were the better team for 20 minutes. But we dominated, especially in the second half. We won a battle, they might win the war, but looking forward to next season as it's all coming together!

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "Painful, especially for our player and supporters because we really wanted to lift that trophy today.

"It was two very different halves, especially the first half when I think we were better than them and had the best two chances of the game. We didn't capitalise on that. Credit to them for what we have done. A really sad day."

On if he regrets starting Kepa: "I made a decision before the game based on what he has done all season, the fact he has played in the competition and helped us be where we are today. It would have been very unfair to choose a different one."

On Arsenal's unbeaten run ending and the task to go on another winning run: "We had eight amazing months with this team. Today is a disappointment. We need to use that fire in the belly for the next two months to have an incredible season."

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta resisted the temptation to field his strongest side by selecting Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal ahead of David Raya.

It proved to be an ill-fated decision, with the keeper a central figure as Arsenal's hopes of winning that first trophy since 2020 were placed on hold.

He had already been shown a yellow card for an injudicious dash from goal that resulted in a foul on Jeremy Doku, but worse was to follow in the moment this EFL Cup final got away from Arsenal.

Rayan Cherki's cross should have been dealt with easily, but it slipped through the keeper's grasp, allowing Nico O'Reilly to get in ahead of Martin Zubimendi to score.

There was no way back for Arsenal once O'Reilly added his second, and the Gunners can have no complaints.

Arsenal played within themselves, showing a lack of attacking ambition until the closing stages when the game was lost.

Arteta's side are still in a superb position to win silverware, with a commanding lead in the Premier League and with the Champions League and FA Cup still in their sights - but there was no consolation here as they turned in a disappointing display.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

What did you make of Arsenal's display?

Come back later on Sunday for a selection of your replies

The big news for Arsenal is that Eberechi Eze has not recovered from the knock that saw him substituted during the Gunners win over Bayer Leverkusen in midweek.

Kai Havertz starts in his place while cup goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga starts in goal with David Raya on the bench.

Arsenal XI: Arrizabalaga, White, Saliba, Gabriel,Hincapie, Rice, Zubimendi, Havertz, Saka, Trossard, Gyokeres.

Subs: Raya, Mosquera, Jesus, Martinelli, Norgaard, Madueke, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly, Dowman

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola makes four changes to the side that exited the Champions League in meeting at the hands of Real Madrid.

The one major surprise sees defender Ruben Dias not involved at all, with Nathan Ake coming into the backline.

James Trafford starts in goal ahead of Gianluigi Donnarumma, while Nico O'Reilly and Antoine Semenyo also come in.

Rayan Ait-Nouri and Tijjani Reijnders are the others to drop out, while Marc Guehi is cup-tied.

Man City XI: Trafford, Nunes, Khusanov, Ake, O'Reilly, Rodri, Silva, Semenyo, Cherki, Doku, Haaland.

Subs: Donnarumma, Ait-Nouri, Foden, Gonzalez, Kovacic, Marmoush, Savinho, Reijnders, Stones

I don't think this game has any bearing on the Premier League title race.

The narrative that has been doing the rounds for a long time is that whoever wins this game wins the title, but that is not the case now - City are not catching Arsenal, whatever happens at Wembley.

City are out of the Champions League now but I have got to say I thought they were brilliant on Tuesday against Real Madrid, before and after they went down to 10 men.

They went for it and they were not just brave, they created plenty of chances.

With the nature of the Premier League this season, I think this will be a very different game, however.

I fear this will be a really ugly and dull encounter, where both teams avoid taking risks.

Sutton's prediction: 0-0 after extra time, City to win on penalties

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes says that Arsenal are "excited" and ready for a "big battle" against Manchester City in Sunday's Carabao Cup final.

The Gunners are having an excellent season and are top of the Premier League, into the quarter-finals of the Champions League and FA Cup, while they have their first shot at silverware against City at Wembley.

Arsenal have not won a major trophy since they lifted the FA Cup in Mikel Arteta's first season in charge and many believe that if they are able to win the Carabao Cup, it could spur them on to further success in other competitions.

"Like we said before, we are in all competitions, so of course we want to win every game," Gabriel said.

"I think we are very excited for this game. We know it's going to be a big battle, but we are ready for this and try to win of course."

The 28-year-old has been one of Arsenal's standout players this season and his partnership with William Saliba is a key component of the Gunners' team.

Gabriel has picked up the tag of being an "old school" centre-back because of the way that he celebrates blocks and in one memorable stop against Bayer Leverkusen, the Brazilian international was hit in the neck as he stopped a shot.

"I think we train a lot. Like I said, I've watched a lot of defenders before.

"I think beautiful football is not only a beautiful pass, but also when you defend, the way you defend. Like I said, I try to bring energy to everyone and help my team-mates." Gabriel said.

The defender was one of Mikel Arteta's first permanent signings at the club and for him to lift a trophy would showcase the progression at Arsenal during his six years in north London.

"When I joined the club, the project was really good. And yes, we know how big is Arsenal.

"Of course, I'm here to win trophies. Like I say, we learn a lot and now we have the opportunity." Gabriel said.

Laura Kirk-Francis
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

A win against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final this weekend would be monumental to the fans for so many reasons.

There is first the element of vengeance for all the misery that Manchester City have heaped on Arsenal and it would be an undeniable proof point that this Arsenal team are a better side than the City behemoth.

With Arsenal currently nine points clear in the Premier League it might even provide that little extra momentum for Arsenal to finally bring the title home to north London. The Gunners are in an excellent position, but for all the jokes about getting ready for the parade, you'd struggle to find an Arsenal fan writing off Manchester City entirely.

All season the Arsenal players have been praised for their resilience. This group of players, with whom it's no exaggeration to say the fanbase are totally enamoured, deserve this win. Much to the chagrin of rival fanbases, Arsenal have excelled at finding a way to win and a trophy would be a just reward.

An Arsenal loss on the other hand would be gutting for the fans.

But this is a mentally strong team. They have just qualified for the Champions League quarter-finals, face Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-final and are in pole position in the league.

A loss in the final would be a setback, but this squad has dealt with setbacks magnificently all season. Since conceding a last minute equaliser at Wolves back in February, Arsenal have won six of their last seven games. Having lost to Aston Villa back in December, Arsenal went on a 12-game unbeaten run. It would hurt, but these players know how much is at stake beyond the final itself.

Win, and Arsenal go into the business end of the season full of confidence. Lose and the Premier League title race is still in Arsenal's hands. It's a magnificent place to be in.

Find more from Laura Kirk-Francis at the Latte Firm podcast, external

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley (kick-off 16:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• He is hopeful Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber can be available for the final, but a decision will be made after "another training session" on Saturday.

• Arteta said "we'll see" when asked whether Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has played in the previous rounds, will be the starting goalkeeper.

• He said it has been "difficult" to pick his starting XI as "everybody has been involved in the competition" and deserves to play.

• He said he's not nervous, and instead "excited, enthusiastic and positive" ahead of the final.

• On the stat that he is unbeaten at Wembley as a player and manager with Arsenal: "Let's keep it that way. Let's hope that in a few hours we can do the same."

• He said they "need players to step up and make a difference" in order to win the trophy, as it's "going to be one of the defining moments" of their season.

• More from Arteta on the importance of winning: "At the end of the day it is about whether you win the trophy or not. We need to prove that point, that's clear, and it has to be done on the pitch."

• On the prospect of winning at Wembley in front of fans, after lifting the FA Cup under Covid restrictions: "I have done it when that stadium has been full. It is exceptional and one of the best memories I have. That is why we are all very excited because we know what is at stake. We really want it and know what it is going to mean for our people as well."

Listen to build-up and live commentary of the Carabao Cup final on BBC Radio 5 Live from 16:15 GMT on Sunday.

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Got a question about Arsenal? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal co-chairman Josh Kroenke has flown in from the United States to attend this weekend's Carabao Cup final against Manchester City.

Kroenke has arrived in London for Sunday's showpiece at Wembley, which could see the Gunners secure their first trophy en route to what could be a historic quadruple.

Victory this weekend would also represent the club's first piece of silverware since Mikel Arteta led Arsenal to FA Cup glory in 2020 at an empty Wembley because of the covid-19 pandemic.

Kroenke is, by-and-large, based out of the US but makes regular visits to London in his role as one of the club's key figureheads.

There are also indications that Kroenke family patriarch Stan, founder of Kroenke Sports and Entertainment who own Arsenal, could attend provided his schedule allows.

The 78-year-old's presence at Arsenal is more infrequent than that of son Josh, who takes a greater hand in the running of the club.

During his stay in London, Josh is likely to meet with Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta to be updated on the club's plans for the summer transfer window.

Despite spending about £250m on new players last summer, Arsenal will look to strengthen the squad before next season, though there is likely to be an emphasis on rebalancing finances with sales to help supplement spending.

It is understood Arsenal have identified full-back, central midfielder and left wing as areas that require strengthening.

The issue of Arteta's contract also needs addressing, with the Spaniard's current deal due to expire at the end of next season.

Arteta, whose current deal is understood to be worth £15m a season inclusive of bonuses, has established a reputation as one of European football's top coaches and would earn a sizeable increase on his existing terms should he commit beyond the summer of 2027.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has named his 35-man squad for the two friendlies against Uruguay and Japan in March.

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Manchester City), Aaron Ramsdale (Newcastle United), Jason Steele (Brighton & Hove Albion).

Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Marc Guéhi (Manchester City), Lewis Hall (Newcastle United), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur), John Stones (Manchester City), Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan).

Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), James Garner (Everton), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace).

Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, loan from Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Dominic Solanke (Tottenham Hotspur).

There are 13 players involved who weren't in the last squad back in November, while there's a first senior call-up for Everton midfielder James Garner and Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele.

Scarlet Katz Roberts
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

For a season in which Arsenal are still alive on four fronts, it has been surprisingly lacking in jaw-dropping moments. Max Dowman's breakaway goal now sits proudly alongside Reiss Nelson's strike at the death against Bournemouth in 2023.

It's hard not to draw some kind of equivalence between the delirium of an academy prospect tearing the length of the field after beating two men, and the flair we displayed against Leverkusen. Magic moments are rocket fuel.

We've been criticised this season for being ruthlessly methodical, field-tilt monsters. Our play style has taken us to this point. This is now (to some extent) irrelevant. It's time for the protagonists to step forward.

The Leverkusen game marked the first time this campaign Bukayo Saka has started three games in a week. He will surely start again on Sunday. It was notable too, that Mikel Arteta turned to Dowman with 20 minutes left against Everton: quality talks.

No Arsenal fan will be unhappy if we don't lift the League Cup, then go on to win the Premier League, the Champions League, throw in the FA Cup too! But we need to lean into the magic. Lift that trophy on Sunday and the Arsenal world will be flooded with good feeling - to be liberally injected as inspiration for the final dash.

Arsenal have long been accused of lacking individual attacking brilliance, something Sunday's opponents are lauded for.

Eberechi Eze already possesses a magical repertoire, the scorer of the goal that won Crystal Palace their first major trophy (against City). He's also famous for bringing his best in the clutch. This epochal stage of the season feels deserving of goals like his strike midweek. Here's hoping he's been saving his best till last.

Find more from Scarlet Katz Roberts at the Goal Difference podcast, external