Arteta relishing second crack at Carabao Cup glory
Arsenal were knocked out of the EFL Cup semi-finals last season by Newcastle United, and this time they face Chelsea in the last four.
The Gunners defeated Crystal Palace on penalties to reach the semi-final, but has a history of struggling at this stage of the competition.
No side has been knocked out of the Carabao Cup at the semi-final stage more often than Arsenal – nine, level with arch rival Tottenham Hotspur.
After their last four exit to Newcastle United last term, the Gunners could become the first team to lose in the semi-finals of this competition in consecutive campaigns since Manchester United in 2019-2020 and 2020-2021.
Speaking ahead of their trip to Stamford Bridge, Arteta is optimistic that his side will fare better this time around.
"Football gives you another chance," he said.
"We have been really consistent again in the competition and no we have to knock another big team out to be in the final. That's the mission.
"Hopefully, we learn from last year because it was painful, especially the manner in which the games went and the amount of chances we missed.
"Hopefully, this year we are better and more efficient."
Chelsea, meanwhile, has knocked out Cardiff City, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Lincoln City on the way to the semi-finals this year, albeit under now ex-coach Enzo Maresca.
Liam Rosenior began his tenure with a 5-1 win over EFL Championship side Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup, but a different test awaits in current Premier League leader Arsenal.
The Gunners thrived on set pieces in their third-round win over Portsmouth, but Rosenior believes they are more than just dead-ball specialists.
"Arsenal are good at everything. They are very good without the ball," he said.
"They have a really clear idea in the way they want to play with the ball. And on top of that, they're very well organised with good delivery on set plays.
"I respect them, and I think they'll respect us because we're a good team as well. We'll need to have a really good game on Wednesday and it's going to be a great occasion."
Arteta was delighted to see Kai Havertz return to action on the weekend, but is wary about giving the forward too many minutes too soon.
"We missed him a lot. A year is a long time in football, but the way he's come back, he looks really fit, really confident," Arteta said.
"He's such an intelligent player that straight away he's someone who connects with the players really naturally.
"You can tell how much they love him as well, because every time he was in or around the box, everyone was jumping off their seats on the bench.
"We are so happy to have him. He's going to help us so much. Now we have to keep him fit.
"We have to manage his minutes, but he had a good block of 20, 25 minutes the other day. He trained really well today again, and now it's a case of building his robustness and making sure he's available for every game."
