19/03/2026 – Arsenal 2-0 Everton “Everton Recap and Carabao Cup Final 2026 Preview”

What a week to be a Gooner, is this going to be the week we look back on in May? The lights shone brightest and the boys took to centre stage; I’m writing this as a review of both the Everton and Bayer Leverkusen game but also as a preview to the Carabao Cup Final on Sunday. Let’s start with Everton, I haven’t experienced the Emirates erupt like that in a long time, the nerves and adrenaline of 60,000 people pouring outwards, limbs flying everywhere, everyone completely disorientated. That is why we love football, strangers joined entirely by their love for a team.

Arsenal’s early combinations very sharp and Everton struggled to get into the game early on, however, they brought danger on the break. McNeil was denied twice, first with a colossal block from Califiori breakdancing on the floor and second just the woodwork in the way of a brilliant goal for Everton. That was a wakeup call for us but despite periods of dominance in the first half Everton definitely looked the more likely to make the breakthrough in the first half. Despite Everton not having Tarkowski or Branthwaite at the centre of their defence they were well drilled and very compact at the back. Our wingers struggled to get space and truthfully Saka especially couldn’t get into the game.

There were plenty of positives in our performance, but we didn’t test Pickford enough before the late goals. A brave decision from Arteta to call on the 16-year-old Max Dowman. With more experienced players available on the bench, it was a big call to put his trust in Dowman and boy did he repay that trust. As soon as he entered the pitch there was a buzz around the ground, there was an opportunity for this kid to do something special. He lit up the Emirates like he might have dreamed in his own garden, his energy and directness massively unsettled Everton. Involved in both goals he had the best impact possible off the bench, a delightful cross that beat Pickford for the first goal and a runaway one-man counter for the second goal, he took his moment with both hands and became the star of the show. It had the feel of the Tony Adams “would you believe it” moment, not only due to the same opposition but within 15 minutes Dowman transformed our title chances.

With a break in league action that is exactly what we needed and with City struggling against West Ham later in the day it really was the best possible weekend from an Arsenal perspective. City looked lethargic and stumped of ideas, they definitely don’t have the same way of eeking out wins they have had in previous years. It was an ex-Arsenal man in Mavropanos who became a titan at the back for West Ham. So, we extend our lead at the top to nine points, though with a game in hand for Man City. This was a game Arsenal might have drawn in previous seasons. Instead, we found a way. We have given ourselves the best possible opportunity to win the title and I’m starting to believe.

Onto Leverkusen then, another great win but unlike some games recently it was a complete performance where we were far and away the better team, after a tie like that one it shows how important having the second leg at home is. In the first leg we gave Leverkusen a chance, we were poor and struggled to create any real opportunities, but on Tuesday we were brilliant. We took the game to them early on and they couldn’t keep hold of the ball or create anything of any real substance. Their keeper was their best player without a doubt, he made multiple top saves and stopped us running away with it. In the end it was two moments of brilliance that won us the game, arguably the best goal I’ve seen in the flesh, pure magic from Eze. I’ve been the first to criticise Eze this season, he’s not been good enough for long periods of the season, but he’s come up with some mightily important goals for us. This one really was a belter, just before half time after a half of dominance without anything to show for it. It was then again in the second half where our player of the season stepped up with some more quality. No goal sums up Declan Rice more than this one, wins the ball high up the pitch, drives forward and dispatches a great finish. After that goal we looked in full control and eased our way to the final whistle. With Sporting next in the Champions League, we are in a great position to crack on into the semi-final, the draw has been very favourable, and it feels like the year we could make the most of it.

Next up then… The first trophy available this season, the Carabao Cup final, Wembley bound. It is the first matchup in a final between the Master and the Apprentice, is it Mikel's time to upgrade his standing? After the last two games we come into the final in great form and the fans are full of confidence. Compared to Man City who crashed out of the Champions League to Real Madrid and have struggled for consistency in recent weeks. City will be without one of their January signings, Guehi which is a big boost for us, he has had a positive impact on City’s defensive play since January. After Timber went off injured against Everton it is likely he will be unavailable, alongside Odegaard. This is going to be an extremely competitive game and one of the most intense matchups of the season, both sides desperate to get one up on the other. I’m of the mind that whoever gets their hands on the trophy will have the upper hand mentally for the Premier League matchup in April. As much as Arsenal have the upper hand in the title race it is all to play for, of course I want to win but mainly for the boost I feel it could give us instead of the trophy itself. It’s the first final with fans since 2018 for Arsenal and my first trip back to Wembley since the FA Cup success against Chelsea in 2017. I’m hoping for more memories on Sunday and I’m going into it with confidence. The squad is in a great spot at the moment, and I feel if we play to our best, we will be too much for Man City. The boys will be ready to give it their all I’m certain. The chance to sign off in the best possible way before the international break. This is why I started this blog, to recount memories and moments such as these, we’ve got the chance to start our celebrations on Sunday, lets get the job done. COYG!!

The Northbank Blogger.