Former Scotland international and Manchester City cult hero Paul Dickov has suggested that Arsenal’s pursuit of a historic quadruple might inadvertently pave the way for a City victory in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final. The Premier League’s top two sides are set to descend on Wembley Stadium for the season’s inaugural major domestic showpiece, but Dickov believes the differing pressures on each club could be the deciding factor. While Mikel Arteta’s Gunners currently hold a commanding lead at the top of the table and remain active in the Champions League, Manchester City’s recent European exit has narrowed their focus significantly.
The tactical narrative surrounding the final has shifted following City’s midweek heartbreak at the Etihad, where they were eliminated from the Champions League by Real Madrid in a 5–1 aggregate defeat. With their hopes of a consecutive treble—and a potential quadruple—now extinguished, Dickov argues that Pep Guardiola’s side will view the Carabao Cup as a non-negotiable requirement to avoid a rare trophyless campaign. In contrast, he questions whether Arsenal’s focus might be split between the looming quarter-finals in Europe and maintaining their ten-point cushion in the league.
Expressing his views to Metro UK, the former striker noted:
“I’d possibly say it’s more important to City to win on Sunday and get that trophy. Whereas Arsenal, will they have eyes in the Premier League – will they have eyes in the Champions League going forward?”
The final represents a significant milestone for Arsenal, who are hunting for their first major piece of silverware since the 2020 FA Cup. However, Dickov’s assessment highlights a “priority” dilemma; while Arsenal are mathematically in contention for all four trophies, the psychological weight of the Premier League and Champions League titles often dwarfs the League Cup. For City, who have seen their domestic margin for error shrink, the Wembley clash serves as an immediate opportunity to reset the season’s momentum.
Despite Dickov’s leaning toward his former club, he acknowledged that the “Gunners” possess the form and maturity to conquer both England and Europe if they manage to navigate these defining moments. As both managers finalize their starting lineups—with Pep Guardiola already confirming that James Trafford will start in goal—the footballing world awaits to see if Arsenal’s “bigger fish to fry” will indeed provide the opening Manchester City needs. For Dickov, the “necessity” of the trophy rests firmly with the blue half of Manchester.
