Kai Havertz's 97th-minute winner confirmed Arsenal's place at Wembley for next month's Carabao Cup final where the Gunners will face Premier League title rivals Manchester City or Newcastle, respectively
Ryan Taylor
13:00, 04 Feb 2026
Jurrien Timber
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Jurrien Timber is optimistic Arsenal can go the distance in the Carabao Cup
Jurrien Timber insists Arsenal are gunning for Carabao Cup glory - because victory at Wembley Stadium would set the tone for more silverware this season.
Kai Havertz's dramatic last-gasp winner to down former club Chelsea put the tie beyond all reasonable doubt and clinched the Gunners' place in their first League Cup final since 2018.
For all the good work Mikel Arteta has carried out at the Emirates Stadium, he has still only won one trophy (FA Cup, 2020) during his six-year reign.
Timber believes Arsenal are now ready to change their destiny, stating: "I think every competition, every cup is different. But at the same time, we’re in an amazing position.
"We don’t have anything yet but we’ve put ourselves in an amazing position to win.
"The Carabao Cup final is coming early, so maybe that would be nice for us as a motivation and a boost towards the other cups as well."
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Arsenal's recent home performances have been the subject of scrutiny. However, Timber was ecstatic that his side were able to grind out victory - even though they were not anywhere near their best.
He continued: "That [winning] is the most important thing, it is not always possible to play your best. But I think this team does an amazing job of finding a way to win, no matter what.
"We have done it away at Chelsea, where it is not easy, and then today at home as well. So it is very deserved that we are going through and going to Wembley together."
Prior to Tuesday evening, Arsenal had lost their past four semi-finals but the curse was finally shattered and their quadruple dream now lives on.
Timber is not willing to take the feat for granted, explaining: "It means a lot, but I think it does to the whole club, to the whole team. I think we appreciate these moments - me, myself as well. But obviously you want to win the final, so that is the next step.
"We appreciate going to the final. We don’t take it for granted. We have an amazing squad and these kinds of opportunities are not easy to have. And I think this squad does an amazing job and I am just proud to be part of this team."
Kai Havertz
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Kai Havertz struck the winner in stoppage-time, though Arsenal were virtually already home and dry(Image: Getty Images)
Much like match-winner Havertz, Timber knows the pain of enduring a notable injury setback.
The German, who only returned last month after suffering a knee problem on the opening day of the season which required surgery, is now showcasing just how much he's been missed.
The right-back said of his team-mate: "Just his presence within the team makes a big difference, but also on the pitch.
"I think everyone can see his amazing qualities and also everyone can see how happy everyone was for Kai.
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"I hope he enjoys this moment, and hopefully there are many more moments like this for him."
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