Arsenal Fan View: Carabao Cup final preview

Another year, another Wembley final awaits Arsenal as they play Manchester City in the Carabao Cup on Sunday. Despite the glum notions of this season, the Gunners have reached within touching distance of silverware yet again. Here’s what they must do to make sure they make it four trophies in 4 years on Sunday:

Keep the intensity high from the start

Arsene Wenger has won every domestic trophy bar this one and he must be yearning for his players to complete his collection. The Frenchman will need to transfer his itching need of this victory to his side and make sure they know what the game means to him.

Pep’s team have been steamrolling in the League but have chinks in their armour like everyone else. As exploited by Liverpool, Arsenal will need to hit City with a barrage of attacking football from the first whistle.

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If they let their opponents settle, it will be a repeat of the game at the Etihad last year. The Gunners have the firepower up front with Aubameyang and Ozil to compensate for the ineligible Mkhitaryan. All they need is the first goal and then some pressing to see off their League leaders.

Let Ramsey loose

If there is one thing Aaron Ramsey specializes in, it is cup finals at Wembley. The Welsh midfielder loves turning on the style in the biggest games and has written a lot of history at this stadium already.

With Xhaka hopefully anchoring the defensive midfield, Ramsey will want to make his lung-busting runs into the box-and Wenger needs to let him. Whether or not Ozil is already playing in a free role, it is Ramsey who needs to be let loose to assure Arsenal of victory.

Jack Wilshere’s performance in midweek may raise questions about him starting, but it would be the perfect game to see both of Wenger’s prodigies work together. Both players have a strong bond and can surely aid in having their best game for Arsenal this season side by side.

Play Kolasinac instead of Iwobi

Twitter is the last place you expect Arsene Wenger to look for solutions to his XI, but this time he may want to have a glance. Alex Iwobi’s consistent lack of purpose on the pitch has made every fan question his selection.

Instead, a very astute and shrewd decision would be to use a player who has been left isolated ever since his return from injury. Nacho Monreal’s sudden goal rush in the last two months has made it very difficult for the Serbian to get a look in, but this might be his shot.

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Having often featured as a left winger for Schalke before his move to Arsenal, Kolasinac can do double damage should Wenger make the bold decision to choose him over Iwobi.

He would add defensive security against the likes of Sane and a ‘tank’ in attack, something which Kyle Walker will not enjoy facing. By doing this, Wenger will not only win over his fans in one move, but also reassure everyone that he stills has the pedigree to produce trophy-winning sides.