Mikel Arteta calls for 'fire in the belly' as Arsenal quadruple dream ends

The Arsenal manager admitted the result was tough to take for both players and supporters after a demanding campaign that has already stretched beyond 50 matches.

"Very sad, it's a hard one to take, especially for our players and our supporters," Arteta said. "We know how much it means to them, how much we want it. The fact we haven't managed to deliver leaves you disappointed and with a bad taste."

Arsenal arrived at Wembley full of belief, backed by a strong travelling support and recent momentum, including progress in Europe. They also held a significant advantage over City in the league, but that confidence was not reflected when it mattered most.

Arteta pointed to a decisive spell early in the second half as the turning point. Nico O'Reilly scored twice in the space of two minutes for City.

"In the first 18 to 20 minutes of the second half, we struggled to get out and manage the ball," he explained. "Then we conceded in an unexpected way, and two minutes later they scored again in similar conditions. You have to give credit to the opposition when they capitalise like that."

City punished Arsenal during that period, with their control and sharpness in possession proving decisive. Despite chances for Arsenal - including efforts that narrowly missed and one that struck the crossbar - they failed to make their key moments count.

Arteta, however, refused to question his team's mentality.

"We have to have perspective on what this team has done in the last eight months. It has been incredible," he said. "We're going to use this disappointment and this fire in the belly to have the most amazing two months together."

With the Premier League title race still alive and crucial fixtures ahead, Arteta's message was clear: respond with intensity, but keep control.