JAKARTA - Arsenal's dream of winning four titles (quadruple) this season ended after losing to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium, Monday, March 23, early morning WIB.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admitted the defeat left a deep disappointment. However, he insisted his team would use this result as motivation to pursue another trophy.
"We need to use this 'fire in the belly' for the next two months to be able to create an extraordinary season," Arteta said after the match.
Arteta called the defeat part of the team's long journey throughout the season. He assessed the team's response after the failure would be the key in maintaining the opportunity to win another title.
"It's very difficult to accept, especially for the players and supporters. But we have to be ready because this is part of football," he said.
As a form of sportsmanship, Arteta asked his players to stay on the field to watch the Manchester City champion ceremony. According to him, it was a form of respect for the opponent.
"We want to show respect. They deserve to lift that trophy," he said.
In the match, the spotlight was on goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga who made a mistake resulting in City's two winning goals scored by Nico O'Reilly. Kepa was dropped as a starter to replace David Raya.
Despite the criticism, Arteta insisted he had no regrets about his decision to play Kepa.
"I have to do what I think is right and fair. He has played throughout this competition," he said.
This defeat ended Arsenal's chances of winning four titles this season. However, the Gunners still have the chance to compete in the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League.
Arteta optimistic his team can bounce back, given previous experience of responding to negative results.
"We have a track record of rising in situations like this, and I'm sure we'll do it again," he said.
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