League Cup triumph by Arsenal women’s team a source of pride for Arteta’s title-chasing side

LONDON – The success of the Arsenal women’s team is a source of pride for the men as they continue their hunt for silverware, said Gunners boss Mikel Arteta on April 2.

The women’s team won the League Cup by defeating Chelsea on March 31, while Arteta’s men were held 0-0 by Manchester City in a match that could prove pivotal in this season’s title race.

“We are on track as a club. What the women’s team did at the weekend makes us so proud and it’s so important as well,” Arteta told a news conference on the eve of their home Premier League match against Luton Town.

“There are a lot of good things happening, but we need to aim for much more than that... This is where we want to be. Now we want to take this opportunity and make it happen.”

The result at the Etihad saw the Gunners displaced by Liverpool at the top of the table, but victory over the relegation-threatened Hatters will see them return to the summit for 24 hours at least, as Jurgen Klopp’s men host Sheffield United a day later.

Arteta’s men have a busy schedule ahead, with a trip to Brighton & Hove Albion on April 6 followed three days later by the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich.

It will be the first time they have played in the knockout stage of Europe's top-tier competition under Arteta.

The Gunners have a tough run-in in their bid for a first league title since 2004, with matches against rivals Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Manchester United, but the Spaniard is optimistic.

“We work every single day with the enthusiasm and passion to make it happen and are enjoying the moment,” the former Arsenal captain added.

“I see the team flowing and they are really excited about playing each game. That’s what has to drive this journey until the end.

“I’m very excited, I’m full of energy and it’s a beautiful part of the season. It is very different and I wasn’t in this position when I was a player (for Arsenal).”

Arteta confirmed that forward Bukayo Saka was “fine” after being taken off in the second half against City and defender Jurrien Timber, a long-term injury absentee, has a “good chance” of returning before the season ends.

Luton, meanwhile, have a deepening injury crisis, with defender Reece Burke, fullback Alfie Doughty and winger Tahith Chong the latest casualties after last weekend’s 2-1 loss at Tottenham Hotspur.

Hatters manager Rob Edwards, who was already without 10 first-team players for that game, said the trio will be assessed.

“It’s the biggest challenge I’ve ever had, aside from a real serious incident that we’ve had with, obviously, our captain,” he said, referring to Tom Lockyer, who collapsed on the pitch after suffering a cardiac arrest during a Premier League match at Bournemouth in December.

“It’s the most difficult and most challenging period I’ve ever faced. I haven’t known anything like it.”

There was a goal fest in the reverse fixture on Dec 6, when Luton lost 4-3 at Kenilworth Road, with Declan Rice netting an injury-time winner for the Gunners.

When asked if there could be a repeat of that match, Edwards laughed and said: “I don’t know. Their defence is pretty stubborn, they don’t give much away and they’re in great form...

“If we’re going to be able to score three at the Emirates, then we’re doing pretty well. 

“We’ll try to be the best version of ourselves, but it’s difficult at the moment.

“We’re going to be (defending) lower this time, we know that.” REUTERS