Progress: Mikel Arteta has led Arsenal to the Carabao Cup final at Wembley
Arsenal Football Newsletter
The Gunners were made to work until the final seconds of their semi-final tie with Chelsea, when Kai Havertz rounded Robert Sanchez to earn the hosts a 1-0 win on the night in north London and a 4-2 victory on aggregate.
That finish brought about potentially the loudest roar of the season at the Emirates Stadium as the Arsenal fans wildly celebrated a first return to Wembley since 2020.
Much has been made of the often nervy atmosphere at the Emirates this season. Arteta recently urged supporters to "jump on the boat" in focusing on the fun of Arsenal challenging in all four competitions.
The home fans backed their side throughout this second leg, lifting the team in stoppage time when Chelsea pushed for an aggregate equaliser, and the reward came via Havertz's lift-off moment with the final kick.
"I think the crowd was brilliant today," Arteta said. "They brought so much energy and belief to the team in different moments. It was very much needed and I think we all deserved to be together in Wembley.
"They were great and it wasn't easy today because it was a late kick-off, windy, rainy, cold and they responded. The energy was very good from the beginning.
"I sensed it was different. They are on board."
Arsenal will face Manchester City or Newcastle on March 22 at Wembley, when they will have the chance to win their first trophy since the 2020 FA Cup.
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The Gunners have 10 matches - 11 if they beat Wigan in the FA Cup fourth round - to play across three competitions before then, but Arteta believes being so close to a piece of silverware will give his players a significant boost.
"We're only one match away," Arteta said. "It's the best vitamins that we can put in our bodies because we're playing every three days.
“But the fact that you worked so hard to achieve those moments and to have these moments together is just magical.
"You can see the joy, the smiles, the energy in the dressing room and everybody that works at the club. Looking forward to it."