Mikel Arteta spoke at length about at Pep Guardiola in his Friday press conference which included a clear verdict on one Manchester City decision for the Carabao Cup final
16:57, 20 Mar 2026Updated 16:57, 20 Mar 2026
Mikel Arteta had a very clear Arsenal response for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City decision(Image: ( Photo by Simon Dael/Shutterstock))
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had a clear response to being informed that James Trafford would be starting for Manchester City in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final. Pep Guardiola’s second-choice goalkeeper has played in all of City’s cup ties this season, and it has been confirmed that this will remain the case at Wembley.
Similar action has been taken by Arteta with Kepa Arrizabalaga but he refused to confirm that the Spaniard would be in between the sticks for the final. On Friday afternoon, he said: “We’ll see [if he starts]. However, it’s tomorrow when I make the decision.”
When it was pointed out to him that Guardiola revealed in his press conference that Trafford would be in City’s starting XI, Arteta simply replied: “Good for him.”
Goalkeeper and Guardiola talk dominated a large section of Arteta’s press conference with the Gunners boss confirming he has not spoken to his former City colleague in some time but will do so on Sunday.
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He also explained the reasoning behind reserve shot-stoppers playing the majority of cup games even when it comes to finals. Arteta said: “They are very special because they are always different. And they are different; it’s a position that is very specific.
“There is a lot of history about that as well that is very related to how people have made decisions in the past and when something different happens it sounds different at least. But we don’t know how it’s going to be in 10 or 20 years’ time.”
Mikel Arteta was speaking at his press conference on Friday
Beyond this weekend’s showpiece, there is a wider battle between the two as they compete for the Premier League title.
Arsenal currently sit nine points clear at the top but City have played a game less and also welcome the leaders to Etihad Stadium in mid-April. The final international break of the season arrives before then along with more knockout games for both clubs.
Two Champions League last-eight ties against Sporting CP and an FA Cup quarter-final away to Southampton sees Arsenal play five games in just 15 days with league action against City and Bournemouth included in that.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal and Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City have very different April fixture schedules
Guardiola has just two games to worry about over that period following City’s elimination from Europe at the hands of Real Madrid. They do play Liverpool in an FA Cup quarter-final, however.
Crystal Palace’s progress into the last eight of the Conference League also impacts both teams with no clear midweek available for their trip to City that was initially scheduled for Carabao Cup final weekend.
As such, City will continue to have a game in hand over Arsenal for the coming weeks with Arteta’s side having already played their game set for this weekend. That was the 2-2 draw against Wolves from mid-February, which was when the European play-off round took place.
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Each week, they will dive deep into the biggest topics as they follow Mikel Arteta’s side every step of the way – and will also discuss nostalgic flashbacks before each fixture.
It’s a great time to be an Arsenal fan, with the Gunners flying high under Arteta as they look to win silverware this season.
The North Londoners are going strong in the Premier League and Champions League – and they’re also in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
We’ll provide insight and reaction – and have fun along the way – as Arsenal target the biggest trophies this season.
No stone will be left unturned. VAR controversy? Poor performances? Unsung hero who deserves praise? Fixture chaos? We’ll have it all covered.