Mikel Arteta spoke to Sky Sports after [Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Chelsea](https://arseblog.news/2026/02/report-arsenal-1-0-chelsea-inc-goal-4/) secured a Wembley cup final.
Here’s what he had to say.
**What does it mean to go Wembley?**
Well, joy, I think happiness, I think all the work that everybody in the club does. To take the club, the team, the individuals to the highest level and start to compete for major trophies, at the end of the day you have the opportunity to see yourself at Wembley. It gives the right reason for everything that we do, I would say that. So everybody is always so happy and together we’re going to try to win.
**Was the Havertz goal a release?**
By far the best moment of the day. When I saw Declan playing that ball and Kai was scoring, it was perfect. The reaction of the finishers and the fans, the staff, the crowd, it was a great moment.
**Did Arsenal have to be strong-minded?**
Well, I think we both made it that way. We were both very, very competitive. There is a lot of quality there. Both teams adjust to things very, very quickly. It was a real battle because both teams are really competitive, really aggressive. The weather and conditions as well made it even tougher. The margins were close and both teams had the ability in any moment to score a goal. I think we defended so well and we took one of the three or four chances that we had.
**Reacting to the Chelsea game plan …**
We needed to understand as well the way they set up as well. They are really brave and they have the right players. They can win a lot of duels, especially inside. You have to be very conscious and careful of that. I think we read the game well. We had very good moments. We were a little bit more deep but I think the team defended so well.
**Did you expect them to go for it earlier?**
No, I think with the line-up, I think they tried something different. We were prepared for that and we knew that we were going to have to play a lot of mini-games in the game. They could change the half-time immediately like they did two or three days ago. At 60 minutes, at 70, at 80. We had to plan for that. We were ready and I think we competed so well. I think over the two legs we deserved to win.
**Was the key mini-game the last 30 minutes.**
Yes, and the last ten. But when the tie is so close like this, anything can happen. You need to adjust to that. Sometimes it’s more about the heart and the mentality than the tactical stuff for sure.
**A word for your supporters …**
Brilliant. Any nervousness, that’s the willingness to win. That you want to go over that hurdle. But they were enormous today. The energy, because it wasn’t easy. It was really cold, really windy and wet. They were with the team in every aspect of the game and emotionally helped us so much.
So thank you so much. Now let’s enjoy Wembley.
**Taking a step by winning a semi-final …**
It is, and that’s what we want. But we’re showing our maturity and consistency. And in a few weeks we’re going to be all together for that one day. When the time comes and the moment comes, we’ll prepare ourselves to go and win it.