Former Arsenal star Theo Walcott believes that the upcoming Carabao Cup final could be the ultimate turning point in the race for the Premier League title.
Sitting down with Monday Night Club host Mark Chapman, Walcott argued that the result of the final will do much more than just decide a trophy, it will set the entire psychological tone for the business end of the season.
Chapman noted that if Mikel Arteta’s squad were to fall to Manchester City this March, it would likely crank up “the noise” and pressure surrounding the North London club.
Walcott agreed, pointing out the gravity of that specific moment. “That’s the game – the one that essentially sets the tone for how this whole year is going to look for Arsenal,” he insisted.
However, not everyone is convinced that a mid-season cup final carries that much weight. Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton offered a much more skeptical view, countering: “I really don’t think the League Cup final has any bearing on the Premier League.”
The timing of the final adds a layer of intrigue to the title race, coming just a few weeks before the Gunners travel to the Etihad to face City in a massive league showdown on April 18.