skip to main content

Arsenal will redouble efforts after Cup defeat - Viktor Gyokeres

Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal runs with the ball while being marked by Abdukodir Khusanov of Manchester City during the Carabao Cup Final match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium in London, United Kingdom, on March 22, 2026. (Photo by Al
Viktor Gyokeres got little change out of the limpet-like Abdukodir Khusanov in Arsenal's defeat

Viktor Gyokeres insisted Arsenal would be "even more motivated" in their title pursuit after defeat in the Carabao Cup final.

The Gunners' quadruple hopes were ended on Sunday as they were beaten 2-0 by Manchester City – their nearest challengers in the Premier League – at Wembley.

The result could give City energy in their bid to claw back Arsenal’s nine-point lead at the top of the league table but Gyokeres is confident the setback will sharpen his side’s focus.

The Arsenal forward said: "Of course we don’t feel great right now but it’s not like we have another game in three days. It’s a few weeks until the next one.

"For sure we’ll go again and be even more motivated for those games coming up."

Arsenal are next in action at Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-finals on 4 April. They then have a Champions League last-eight trip to Sporting Lisbon before their Premier League campaign resumes at home to Bournemouth on 11 April.

They face City in a potentially-pivotal clash at the Etihad Stadium on 19 April.

Aside from a bright opening period, Arsenal were second best to City at Wembley.

Pep Guardiola’s side took firm control in the second half and secured victory with two headers from Nico O’Reilly in quick succession after an hour.

"I think we started quite well," said Gyokeres. "I think we created some OK chances in the beginning of the game and then it was maybe 10 minutes from the break when they got the momentum.

"I think they had the ball, maybe didn’t create so many dangerous chances, but they had the ball for a long time and it looked the same in the second half.

"Playing top teams, it can be like that. From the moment of the game when they scored it was difficult to get back afterwards."

Meanwhile Gunners defender Gabriel has been ruled out of Brazil's March friendlies through injury.

Gabriel played the full match at Wembley, but will not now link up with his international team-mates for matches against France and Croatia.

A bulletin published by the Brazilian federation, the CBF, read: "After the game….the athlete complained of pain in his right knee.

"Imaging tests have confirmed that Gabriel Magalhaes is not fit to play in the matches during this FIFA international break. No other player will be called up to replace him."

Watch Czech Republic v Republic of Ireland on Thursday from 7pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow our live blog on RTÉ.ie/sport and RTÉ News app or listen to commentary on Inside Sport on RTÉ Radio 1.

Read Next