Arteta says silverware would breed belief for shot-shy Arsenal

Mikel Arteta is not underestimating the importance of the EFL Cup to Arsenal, saying silverware would give the Gunners new belief after a frustrating start to the season.

Arsenal have endured an underwhelming campaign to date, sitting six points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool – who have a game in hand – after Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Everton.

In terms of points won from their first 16 games of the season, Arteta’s side have gone backwards in the last three years, earning 30 this campaign.

They had 43 points and led the Premier League table by seven points at this stage in 2022-23, and trailed Liverpool by a single point when collecting 36 at this stage in 2023-24.

Arsenal have pushed Manchester City close for the title in each of the last two campaigns, but with their hopes already diminished this term, fans have questioned whether Arteta should focus on the domestic cups.

Arteta feels winning a major trophy, which Arsenal have not done since lifting the FA Cup in his first full season at the helm in 2019-20, would give them a renewed impetus.

“It brings belief, trust and positive energy,” he said on Tuesday, ahead of Wednesday’s EFL Cup quarter-final clash with Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium.

One of the stars of the #CarabaoCup this season!

Can Ethan Nwaneri help fire @Arsenal to the Semi-Finals? #EFL pic.twitter.com/ptIGkH8EOQ

— Carabao Cup (@Carabao_Cup) December 5, 2024

“Beating someone in the semi-final and final generates that energy and creates the right path to go and do something else.

“When you are winning you get on a run and go into the next competition, it helps create something different around these types of games, which is really important. The team is always engaged every three days.”

Arsenal have been criticised for their attacking failings this season. The Gunners have relied heavily on set-pieces, leading the Premier League for goals (eight) and expected goals (9.01 xG) from such scenarios, with 27.6% of their goals coming from dead balls.

However, they have only averaged 1.12 goals, 1.06 xG and 9.8 shots from open play per league game this term, down on figures of 1.47 goals, 1.44 xG and 13 shots last season.

Arteta, however, remains unconcerned, saying: “That’s always the narrative. When you score five goals or three, you’re not going to talk about it. That’s normal.

“For us it doesn’t change. We want to score three or five. Even though we didn’t score on Saturday, we want to do better.”