Mikel Arteta has challenged his Arsenal players to use the League Cup final defeat as motivation in the race for a potential Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League treble.
Despite a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the League Cup final at Wembley, the Gunners are in a strong position domestically and maintain a nine-point lead at the top of the Premier League.
Arsenal now face a string of crucial fixtures, starting with a clash with Southampton FC in the FA Cup quarter-finals, followed by a clash with Sporting CP in the Champions League last-eight.
“When you don't win the final, you have to ask how it makes you stronger for the final effort of the season,” Arteta said.
“That's been the mentality to use it as fuel to achieve what we want.”
The defeat at Wembley raised fresh concerns over Arsenal's big-game mentality and extended their six-year wait for silverware. However, Arteta says the setback could strengthen his squad for the decisive stage of the campaign.
“We analyzed not only that game but also the last 120 days and the number of matches we played. It will make us better,” he said.
“Now we get to use it for the most important and beautiful part of the season.”
Arteta also addressed criticism over the withdrawal of several players from international duty, including Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Nonny Maduke.
“We are proud of so many players in the national teams. They are desperate to play and we fully support that,” he said.
“In the end, this is a medical decision, and the conclusion was clear.”