Pep Guardiola Praises Arsenal's Quadruple Chances

Guardiola hails Gunners' quadruple bid

Pep Guardiola praises Arsenal as Gunners eye historic quadruple after Champions League win. Arsenal's chances of winning quadruple rise after reaching EFL Cup final and Champions League quarters.

Arsenal top Premier League and remain in all four competitions, lifting EFL Cup could seal quadruple bid...

Pep Guardiola is thrilled with James Trafford's attitude and has confirmed he'll start in goal for Manchester City's EFL Cup final against Arsenal on Sunday. Trafford has been impressive in City's cup games this season, and Guardiola believes he's ready for the big stage, saying “it's a big moment for the team.”

Pep 💬 (On if James Trafford will play in the final) Yes. pic.twitter.com/EsNvXJtUfh

— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 20, 2026

Guardiola also addressed Trafford's recent comments about his lack of playing time, saying “Players can be happy, unhappy. It is what it is. We have to do our best when they do, and afterwards we have to see what happens at the end of the season.”

Arsenal has been on a roll against Manchester City, staying unbeaten in their last six meetings, including a penalty shootout win in the Community Shield back in August 2023 at Wembley. On the other hand, Pep Guardiola is eyeing a record fifth EFL Cup title, having already won it four times with City.

The stage is set for an exciting EFL Cup final on March 22, 2026, at Wembley Stadium, with Arsenal looking to upset City's chances of a fifth title. Guardiola's experience in cup finals could be a deciding factor, given City's impressive record under him.

James Trafford to Start in Goal for Manchester City Against Arsenal

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed James Trafford will start in goal for the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal on Sunday, ahead of Gianluigi Donnarumma. Trafford has been impressive in City's cup games this season, and Guardiola is “beyond happy“ with his attitude. This decision comes after Trafford expressed disappointment about limited playing time since joining City from Burnley last summer.

“(It is a) big moment for the team.” 

“Good. Nothing to say. Players can be happy or unhappy; it is what it is. We have to do our best when they do, and afterwards we have to see what happens at the end of the season.” 

Pep Guardiola is thrilled with James Trafford's performance and attitude, saying he's “beyond” happy with the young goalkeeper. Trafford will start in goal for Manchester City's EFL Cup final against Arsenal on Sunday, ahead of Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Arsenal's Quadruple Chances Look Promising

Arsenal is currently top of the Premier League and remains in all four competitions this season, making their quadruple bid a realistic possibility. According to Opta, they have a 97.6% chance of winning the Premier League, 32% chance of winning the Champions League, 36.4% chance of winning the FA Cup, and 63% chance of winning the Carabao Cup. If they lift the EFL Cup, their chances of winning the quadruple will significantly rise.

Pep Guardiola Praises Arsenal

Pep Guardiola has praised Arsenal, saying they're a strong team and acknowledging their impressive performance in reaching the Champions League quarter-finals after beating Bayer Leverkusen. This recognition from their biggest rival adds to the momentum, making their quadruple bid even more believable.

Pep 💬 It’s just go game by game, when the mood is good, winning helps and when the confidence is high, anything is possible.

— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 20, 2026

Can They Make History?

Arsenal's squad depth, tactical intelligence, and mental strength make them contenders for a historic quadruple. With a 7.16% chance of achieving this feat, according to Opta, the Gunners are looking to cement their place in English football history.