‘We all trust his work’ — Arsenal star Rice hails Arteta after knocking Chelsea out of EFL Cup

Arsenal are heading to Wembley, and according to Declan Rice, it’s no accident; it’s thanks to the genius of their head coach.

After edging past Chelsea in a tense EFL Cup semi-final, the Gunners’ midfield general lifted the lid on the strict standards and total authority Mikel Arteta has installed at the club.

Speaking after Arsenal sealed their place in the Carabao Cup final, Declan Rice made it clear that Arteta’s influence runs through every corner of the club. From the training ground to matchday decisions, the Spanish manager sets the tone and demands full buy-in from everyone involved.

“Our manager here has total control in everything from bottom to top of the football club,” Rice said. “Everyone listens to him. You can't step out of line. We all trust his work.”

That trust, Rice suggested, is what has allowed Arsenal to stay focused in high-pressure moments, even when games threaten to slip into chaos.

With a final now looming against either Manchester City or Newcastle, Arteta’s uncompromising leadership looks like the backbone of Arsenal’s latest push for silverware.

Arsenal’s route to the final was anything but comfortable. Holding a 3-2 advantage from the first leg, the Gunners knew they had little margin for error in a nervy, rain-soaked second leg at the Emirates. Both sides showed early jitters, with mistakes creeping in and clear chances at a premium.

The first half was scrappy and cagey, dominated by midfield battles and cautious play. Chelsea probed after the break and looked livelier, forcing Arsenal to dig deep as pressure mounted. But just as the Blues pushed forward in search of a lifeline, Arsenal struck decisively.

In stoppage time, Rice surged through midfield and picked out Kai Havertz, who kept his cool to slot home the winner.

The late goal sealed a 1-0 victory on the night and sent Arsenal into their first cup final since 2020, while Chelsea were left to reflect on another missed opportunity. For Arteta and his players, Wembley now beckons.