“It's very hard to accept”

The “Citizens” solved the match in just a few minutes of the second half, through O'Reilly's double, also taking advantage of a major error by the goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Mikel Arteta, after Arsenal – Manchester City 0-2: “We have to turn pain into energy”

At the end, Mikel Arteta did not hide his disappointment, but sent a message to the dressing room:

“I had an amazing eight months with this team. Today is a disappointment. We need to use that desire and that energy over the next two months to have an incredible season. It is up to us and we will manage this energy in the right way.

It's very sad, very hard to accept, especially for the players and supporters. We know how much it means to them and how much we wanted this trophy.“

Arteta also explained why he forced his players to stay on the pitch for the opponents' ceremony:

“We wanted to show respect. They won the trophy and you have to accept that moment.

When you play 70 games a season, moments like this are inevitable. What matters is how you react. I've been through this before and responded well. I'm sure we'll do it again,” Arteta said, according to The Mirror.

Mikel Arteta explained the starting of Kepa, who blundered in the second goal: “It would have been unfair”

Many blamed the defeat on Kepa Arrizabalaga's start, but Arteta was firm:

“It was the right decision. Kepa played throughout the competition and it would have been unfair to do otherwise“, concluded the technician.

• Although the League Cup was lost, Arsenal remain in contention for the title, FA Cup and Champions League. The Gunners are still top of the Premier League with 70 points, followed by Manchester City with 61 and a game in hand. In the Champions League, Arteta's team will play a double leg with Sporting Lisbon.