Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised Kai Havertz’s attitude after his late winner to send the Gunners into the Carabao Cup final.
The Gunners beat Chelsea 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium to win 4-2 on aggregate and reach the cup final for the first time since 2020.
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Arteta credited the winners’ day-to-day performances with what he described as “special” moments for the German.
He said: “I think everyone who knew Kay even remotely would be delighted for him in a special way.
“He deserves the best for the way he works, the way he treats people, the way he conducts himself every day. Today is a special moment for him.”
Arteta went on to say that he felt his side were deserved winners over both legs.
“Two games in, I think we deserve to advance,” he said.
“It was a long game and we expected that. We ended it in a beautiful way, both with the way Kai scored and the reaction of the crowd.
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“The starters, the finishers, the staff, it’s just amazing.”
The Arsenal boss praised his players and the atmosphere inside the Emirates Stadium, highlighting how supporters helped his side get through a tense final.
He said: “I thought the crowd today was brilliant. They brought so much energy and belief to the team at different moments, which was much needed.”
“I think we should all get together at Wembley in a few weeks’ time.”
Chelsea changed their back four strategy in the second half, forcing Arsenal to adapt, but Arteta was pleased with the way his side controlled the game, limiting the visitors while creating enough chances at the other end.
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“We knew we were going to have to play a lot in that game,” the Spaniard explained.
“We have to be very flexible and smart with the bench and the adjustments we have to make. The margins are going to be small because they are a very good team.”
The victory will be particularly important after four previous semi-final exits under Arteta.
The former Arsenal midfielder said it could serve as a springboard for the rest of the season as Arsenal compete on multiple fronts.
“It’s the best vitamin we can put into our bodies,” he said.
“It’s amazing that you work so hard to achieve these moments and to have these moments together.”
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The scene on the bench told its own story, with the substitutes rushing onto the pitch to celebrate with Havertz in what Arteta believes is a sign of a united team.
“They all feel like it’s theirs,” he said.
“The good points are there. Now we have to keep going and win.”
Wembley now awaits, but Arteta is quick to remind everyone that attention is now back to the Premier League.
But after a disciplined performance, it felt like a decisive step forward for a team learning how to close out big games.
