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Posted on February 14, 2026 9:45 pm | Updated on February 14, 2026 4:16 pm
Arsenal fans remember the joy of winning the FA Cup in 2020 under new manager Mikel Arteta. It was his first trophy as boss, beating Chelsea 2-1 in the final. But since then, the team has not gone far in the competition. They have been knocked out early every year, never past the fourth round. In simple terms, Mikel Arteta said the team just hasn’t been good enough on match days.
The 2020 Glory and What Followed
In 2020, Arsenal’s FA Cup run was exciting. They beat teams like Manchester City in the semi-final. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice in the final to seal the win. It was a bright start for Mikel Arteta, who took over in late 2019. The victory gave hope for more success.
But things changed quickly. In the 2020-21 season, Arsenal lost 1-0 to Southampton in the fourth round. The next year, 2021-22, Nottingham Forest beat them 1-0 in the third round. In 2022-23, Manchester City won 1-0 in the fourth round. The pattern continued: third-round exits to Nottingham Forest again in 2023-24 and Liverpool in 2024-25. This poor run has lasted six seasons without reaching the quarter-finals. The fans wonder why a strong team like Arsenal struggles in a cup they once dominated.
🚨💣 𝐄𝐗𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐕𝐄: Mikel Arteta views the Carabao Cup final vs Manchester City as a defining moment in Arsenal’s season.
He believes that losing this final could severely damage the squad’s mentality, while victory could fuel their Premier League title charge.
He is… pic.twitter.com/aOS6cU698w
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) February 14, 2026
Arteta’s Straightforward Explanation
Mikel Arteta addressed this in a press conference. When asked about not getting past the fourth round since 2020, he said, “We haven’t been good enough on that day.” He added that in cup games, you must be excellent, and things like the team’s history or badge don’t matter. “The shirt that you wear, or the badge that you wear, is irrelevant,” he explained.
This means Arsenal hasn’t performed at their best in those key matches. Arteta stressed that cup ties are one-off games where anything can happen. You need to be sharp and focused, or you lose. He didn’t blame injuries or luck much. Instead, he pointed to the team’s own standards slipping on those days. This honest view shows Arteta wants his players to take responsibility.
Possible Reasons Behind the Slump
While Arteta’s main point is about not being good enough, other factors play a role. Since 2020, Arsenal has focused more on the Premier League and Europe. They’ve challenged for the title in recent years and done well in the Champions League. This means cup games sometimes see rotated squads to rest stars.
For example, against the lower-league teams, Arsenal has used younger players or backups. But opponents like Nottingham Forest or Southampton treat these games as huge chances to upset the giants. They play with extra energy, while Arsenal might lack the intensity. Arteta has also mentioned the busy schedule. Playing every few days can tire players physically and mentally. Still, he demands higher standards, saying the team must prove itself every time.
Mikel Arteta on Martinelli’s chance: “You have to [score]. It’s football & the keeper can make the decision & action that he did, but if you want to win here, you’re going to have to be really ruthless in both boxes & today we lacked that.” ❌😤 pic.twitter.com/KsiSzpusze
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) February 12, 2026
Demands for Improvement and Silverware
Arteta knows fans want trophies. The 2020 FA Cup is Arsenal’s last major win. They’ve reached the Carabao Cup final this season, showing progress. But the FA Cup drought hurts, given the club’s history. Arteta said his long-term future at Arsenal depends on winning silverware. He feels pressure but stays focused.
Looking Ahead
Arsenal is top of the Premier League, four points clear. But cup success would boost morale. Arteta’s words remind everyone that past glory doesn’t guarantee wins. The team must earn it each game. If they beat Wigan, it could start a better FA Cup run. In the end, Arteta’s explanation is simple: perform or go home. As Arsenal pushes for multiple trophies, fixing their FA Cup form could make this season special.
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