Wayne Rooney has thrown his weight behind Arsenal ahead of their highly anticipated Carabao Cup final clash with Manchester City, predicting that Mikel Arteta’s side will rise to the occasion and overcome Pep Guardiola’s champions at Wembley.
Speaking in his role as a pundit, the former Manchester United and England captain believes Arsenal’s blend of youth, tactical discipline, and growing big-game maturity could be the decisive factors in what promises to be a high-quality final. While acknowledging City’s dominance in recent years, Rooney made it clear that this particular Arsenal team looks ready to knock them off their perch on the domestic cup stage.
“This Arsenal side believes they belong”
Rooney pointed to Arsenal’s mentality shift over the last few seasons as a major reason behind his prediction. According to him, this is no longer a team that approaches finals hoping to compete — it’s a team that expects to win.
“Arsenal have shown they can go toe-to-toe with anyone,” Rooney said. “They’ve learned from the disappointments, they’ve grown together, and now they believe they belong in these moments. That belief counts for a lot in a final.”
He highlighted the calmness Arsenal have displayed in knockout matches, noting how Arteta’s players have become more composed under pressure, especially against elite opposition. For Rooney, that psychological edge could prove crucial against a Manchester City side that is used to being the hunted.
Midfield battle could swing Arsenal’s way
One of the key areas Rooney focused on was midfield, where he feels Arsenal may have an advantage on the day. With their mix of energy, technical quality, and tactical awareness, the Gunners have repeatedly shown they can disrupt City’s rhythm.
“City are incredible when they control the middle of the pitch,” Rooney explained. “But Arsenal have players who can press, play, and hurt you on the break. If they win that midfield battle, I think they win the game.”
He also praised Arsenal’s ability to switch tempo quickly, something he believes could unsettle Guardiola’s side, particularly if City commit numbers forward in search of control.
Arteta’s inside knowledge of City
Rooney was quick to point out that Mikel Arteta’s deep understanding of Manchester City could be another decisive factor. Having spent years working alongside Guardiola, Arteta knows better than most how City want to play — and, crucially, how to disrupt them.
“Arteta knows Pep inside out,” Rooney said. “That doesn’t guarantee a win, but it helps you prepare a very specific game plan. In a one-off final, that can make all the difference.”
Rooney suggested that Arsenal’s tactical flexibility — the ability to sit deep, press high, or dominate possession when needed — makes them a particularly dangerous opponent for City in a cup final scenario.
Wembley stage suits Arsenal’s young stars
The former United striker also spoke glowingly about Arsenal’s young core, insisting that the Wembley stage will bring out the best in them rather than intimidate them.
“These players don’t look scared of big occasions,” Rooney said. “They enjoy it. They express themselves, and that’s dangerous for any opponent.”
He added that finals are often decided by moments rather than long spells of dominance, and Arsenal have enough match-winners capable of producing those moments when it matters most.
Respect for City, but belief in Arsenal
Despite backing Arsenal, Rooney was careful to stress his respect for Manchester City and what they have achieved under Guardiola. He described them as “one of the best teams English football has ever seen,” but emphasized that no dominance lasts forever.
“City are still an unbelievable side,” Rooney admitted. “But football moves in cycles, and Arsenal are right at the point where they’re ready to take another step forward.”
For Rooney, lifting the Carabao Cup would be more than just another trophy for Arsenal — it would be a statement of intent.
“A win like this sends a message,” he concluded. “It tells everyone that Arsenal are not just competing with City anymore — they’re ready to beat them on the biggest stages.”
As the Carabao Cup final approaches, Rooney’s prediction has only added extra spice to an already mouth-watering contest. Whether his confidence in Arsenal proves justified will be decided under the Wembley lights, but one thing is certain: this final is shaping up to be a defining moment in the modern rivalry between Arsenal and Manchester City.