The carabao cup final at Wembley has crystallised a selection dilemma for Arsenal: continue with the reliable composure of Kai Havertz or turn to the improving, in‑form Viktor Gyokeres.
What Happens When Arsenal choose their striker for the Carabao Cup
The debate centres on two contrasting profiles and the tactical choice Arteta must make. Viktor Gyokeres has shown marked improvement in recent weeks, scoring several important goals for Arsenal and offering direct runs in behind; the context notes a belief within the squad that regular opportunities will further his development. Gyokeres has not yet replicated the prolific goal-scoring form he showed previously at Sporting Lisbon, but his movement stretches defences and can create a distinct attacking dimension.
- Viktor Gyokeres — recent scoring form; direct runs in behind; stretches defences; believed to develop with regular play.
- Kai Havertz — composure in high-pressure moments; intelligence and positional awareness; proven on the biggest stage, including scoring in a Champions League final.
- Managerial trade-off — prioritise current form and direct threat or proven experience and tactical intelligence.
What If Arsenal follow Arteta’s call to ‘attack’ the final?
Mikel Arteta has urged supporters to “attack the final” alongside his players and asked fans to “Be with us, push for every ball, for every action. ” That tone frames selection through the lens of urgency: Arsenal are described as Premier League leaders and in contention for four trophies this season, and almost six years have passed since the last major silverware won under Arteta in his first season.
Arteta has not disclosed his goalkeeper choice for the match: David Raya remains his No 1, while Kepa Arrizabalaga has been his pick in domestic cup competitions. The manager also declined to confirm the availability of Martin Ødegaard and Jurriën Timber, saying of their fitness that “We have another session tomorrow, so let’s see if they can make it. ” On the opposition side, Pep Guardiola has confirmed James Trafford will start for Manchester City, a selection detail that affects Arsenal’s planning for the match at Wembley.
Where this leaves both sides and the closing choice
Former professional Paul Dickov framed the striker dilemma sharply: he described Havertz as “maybe a false nine” who is very intelligent and causes positional problems, while arguing that Gyokeres would be the tougher player to face because he wants to run in behind and can be a real handful. That encapsulates the tactical crossroads: Havertz offers control and high‑stakes experience; Gyokeres offers pace, directness and current momentum.
Arteta’s public message to fans—rooted in the added drive of years without a trophy—sets expectation not just for formation but for intensity. The manager’s refusal to pre-announce a goalkeeper or confirm key players’ fitness keeps the final selection deliberately open, preserving tactical flexibility.
For readers watching selection headlines in the hours before kickoff, the immediate takeaway is simple: Arsenal must weigh the proven, composed finishing of Havertz against the disruptive, in‑behind threat of Gyokeres, all within a match plan that responds to City’s confirmed goalkeeper and the fitness picture Arteta will reveal after the next session. The decision will define the team’s approach to pressure moments and space behind the defence — and it will help determine whether Arsenal secure the silverware that has eluded them for almost six years in the carabao cup
