The wait is over.
After nearly six years and four failed semi-finals, Arsenal’s 4-2 aggregate victory over Chelsea in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup took them back to a major final.
It was their first under Mikel Arteta since he guided them to FA Cup victory in 2020 – and only the second in his time at the club.
It was tight, it was tense and it was a bit dull at times but, while Kai Havertz scored an injury-time goal to confirm their place at Wembley, the euphoria from the fans and players at the Emirates left you in no doubt about the importance.
In a match that saw both sides manage just two shots on target each, the Gunners rarely looked troubled as they displayed all the qualities that make them difficult to beat.
The result means Arsenal will compete in a ninth EFL Cup final when they face either Manchester City or Newcastle on Sunday, March 22 in the showpiece match of the tournament.
If they face City, it will be a repeat of the end of 2018, won by the Manchester club, when Arteta was part of Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff.
However, apart from this being an opportunity for Arsenal to get a measure of revenge for this defeat and win their first League Cup in 33 years, it is also a step to change some perceptions.
Arsenal manager Arteta said: “There is a special atmosphere inside our stadium. It makes a difference. We have waited a few years to get into this position and we will certainly enjoy it. [the final].
“It’s the best vitamin we can put in our body because we play every three days.
“You can see the joy, the smiles, the energy and everyone who works at the club.”
Midfielder Declan Rice, added: “We deserve it. For the last three or four years we’ve been at the top of the Premier League, competing and getting really close but not good yet.
“So this season we have more desire and fire in our bellies to go one step further in every competition.
In the last few years, Arteta’s reign at Arsenal has been a story of near misses, both in cup competitions and in the Premier League.
Now, just one game away from ending their trophy drought, will the Premier League leaders silence the ‘barely men’ accusations for good?
Former Arsenal defender Matt Upson told BBC Radio 5 Live: “It’s been a few years in the making and there’s been a steady build to this point for Arsenal. Mikel Arteta has laid the foundations, built the ethos, and the team together.”