‘The best team right now in Europe and maybe the world’ — Arsenal Cup final tie excites Guardiola

Pep Guardiola is already soaking in the build-up to Wembley after Manchester City booked their place in the Carabao Cup final, and the opponent waiting for them has clearly caught his imagination.

With Arsenal standing in the way of the first domestic trophy of the season, the City boss described the clash as one to be embraced, calling Mikel Arteta’s side the benchmark in football right now.

Speaking after City confirmed their spot in the final, Guardiola made it clear that matches like this are why everyone plays the game.

For him, cup finals carry a special weight, not least because the Carabao Cup was the first trophy he lifted in England.

“You have to live this experience,” Guardiola said, reflecting on the journey to Wembley. He pointed out how winning one title often opens the door to more, a mindset City know well after years of success.

What stood out most, though, was his praise for Arsenal. With the Gunners six points clear at the top of the Premier League and also heading to Wembley,

Guardiola called them “the best team right now in Europe and maybe the world,” setting the tone for a final loaded with quality and tension.

City’s route to the final was wrapped up in convincing fashion against Newcastle United. Carrying a 2–0 lead from the first leg, Guardiola’s side wasted no time at the Etihad, blowing the tie open with three first-half goals.

Omar Marmoush led the charge, scoring twice inside 30 minutes, before Tijjani Reijnders added a third to leave Newcastle facing an impossible task.

Although Anthony Elanga pulled one back after the break with a brilliant solo effort, it barely changed the script.

The 3–1 win on the night completed a dominant aggregate victory and set up a mouth-watering showdown with Arsenal on March 22.

With the Premier League title race already simmering between the two sides, Wembley now offers an early chance for silverware, and Guardiola is clearly loving the prospect.