Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Tottenham are set to clash this week in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, with some clubs aiming to end long trophy droughts. But who wants it the most?
The semi-finals bring Wembley within reach. Arsenal will kick off proceedings on Tuesday, hosting Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium. The teams will meet again next month for the second leg of their battle.
Meanwhile, Tottenham faces a daunting task against Premier League leaders Liverpool. Spurs host the first leg at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with the return leg scheduled at Anfield next month.
Liverpool might be favorites for the trophy, but do they need it the most? Here’s a closer look at the contenders:
1. Newcastle
Newcastle’s trophy drought has been a hot topic, especially since their Saudi-backed takeover. The new owners are eager for silverware, and Eddie Howe is well aware of the pressure.
Howe came close to delivering a trophy in 2023 when Newcastle reached the Carabao Cup final but lost to Manchester United. They also reached the quarter-finals of both domestic cups last season.
There’s even speculation that a failure to win silverware could prompt a managerial change. For Newcastle, lifting the Carabao Cup is more than just an achievement; it’s a statement of intent.
2. Tottenham
Tottenham’s last trophy was the League Cup in 2008. Since then, they’ve had near misses, including Carabao Cup and Champions League final appearances under Mauricio Pochettino, as well as another League Cup final in 2021.
With their struggles in the FA Cup and a disappointing Premier League campaign, Ange Postecoglou faces mounting pressure. Winning the Carabao Cup would not only silence critics but also secure European football, which seems uncertain in the league.
3. Arsenal
Mikel Arteta enjoyed a dream start as Arsenal manager, winning the FA Cup in his debut season. However, apart from the Community Shield, the Gunners have been trophyless since.
Despite their strong performances in recent Premier League seasons, falling short of Manchester City has left Arsenal fans hungry for success. A Carabao Cup victory would solidify Arteta’s credentials and strengthen his bond with supporters.
4. Liverpool
Liverpool’s priorities might lie elsewhere, with Arne Slot steering them toward Premier League and Champions League success. While the Carabao Cup isn’t top of their list, a trophy in Slot’s debut season would be a welcome achievement.
A loss wouldn’t be catastrophic for Liverpool, but winning the cup would add to their momentum and boost confidence for bigger challenges ahead.
So, while all four clubs have reasons to desire the trophy, some might need it more than others. Who will seize their chance?
Leave a Reply