Arsenal center-back William Saliba recently accepted an interview, in which he talked about his feelings as the Gunners topped the Premier League table during Christmas.
Mikel Arteta’s side currently top the Premier League and their Champions League group, and secured a place in the League Cup semi-finals on Boxing Day. The Gunners will face Chelsea in a two-legged League Cup semi-final after their FA Cup third-round clash away to Portsmouth on January 11. This marks the third time in four years that Arsenal have topped the Premier League at Christmas, yet they have not lifted the league title since 2004, with the 2020 FA Cup still being the club’s most recent honor.
Following another blockbuster summer transfer window, Saliba claimed that the team’s target is to end the trophy drought with a wave of silverware in 2026—a feat no team has ever achieved by winning four trophies in a single season. “We know we have the quality to win every competition we’re involved in,” Saliba said. “We came so close to winning the Premier League in the past three seasons, and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League and League Cup last season. But we have to prove it on the pitch and start winning trophies from now on.”
“The atmosphere in the dressing room is great at the moment, but we know it’s still December and things can change quickly in football. We have to stay focused, keep believing and keep working hard. What really matters is the moment we lift the trophies in the end, not any point before that.”
Arsenal’s last League Cup triumph dates back to the 1992-93 season, and this is their third semi-final appearance in five seasons—they were thrashed 4-0 on aggregate by Newcastle United last season. This time around, they edged past FA Cup holders Crystal Palace 8-7 on penalties to secure progression. Saliba admitted frankly: “We are determined to win every competition we enter. Now that we’re in the semi-finals, it means there are only three games left. We have to get the job done against Chelsea in January.”
“This will be a crucial derby match, and we have to give it our all. We know we’re just one step away from the trophy, and we have to learn the lessons from last season.”
“At the end of your career, people count the trophies you’ve won, and the Carabao Cup is one of them. Now that we’re in the semi-finals, we are certainly eager to win this competition, just like we are with every tournament we take part in.”
The Gunners will face a grueling schedule of three games a week until mid-February, but Saliba is unfazed: “A packed schedule is a sign that we’re performing well, and we have to see it through. We hope the injured players can return in January to boost the team. At the moment, we’re making progress on all fronts, and we have to maintain this momentum.”
Although the manner of their victories in the last three games has failed to convince outsiders—including three own goals—Saliba believes the team has shown resilience. The French international said: “We have to win games in different situations. We came through two tough battles and secured the wins, even though our advantage should have been more convincing, which is an area we need to improve on. But we also have to praise the lads for producing such a level of performance every three days.”
