Arsenal Must Win The Capital One Cup This Season. No Matter What…

Victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival.

Winston Churchill

Milk, Littlewoods, Rumbelows, Coca-Cola, Worthington, Carling and Capital One Cups. Or for traditions sake; The League Cup. A trophy ridiculed by top managers and supporters alike, yet a titanic chance of redemption for the club who has defied the odds time and time again. No matter what, Arsenal must win the Capital One Cup 2012/2013.

In 2005, Manchester United, who happen to be the most successful English football club in history, had just completed a barren season at the hands of Chelsea. In reply to this, the Red Devils swept aside Barnet, West Brom, Birmingham, Blackburn and finally Wigan for captain turned TV pundit Gary Neville to lift the trophy with pride. Like a set of dominoes, this success led to further joy for United. 1 Champions League, 4 Premier League’s, 2 League Cups and a FIFA Club World Cup means that the clock is still ticking (no, not Fergie time) on Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign in the red half of Manchester.

From red to blue, London’s Chelsea F.C. changed the course of their history from 2005, when the vast investment in the club finally paid off with the rewarding prospect of the League Cup final against Liverpool. A hard fought 3-2 win and the Blues were on their way to victory, winning the second league title in their history a few months later. Another two league titles followed, one with the highest ever goal tally in a Premier League season, while their experiences in the domestic cups proved useful, 4 FA Cups and another League Cup setting the club up for a bright future. This was realised soon enough, 2012 being the year that the club finally achieved the Holy Grail; wining the UEFA Champions League.

Staying in London, Tottenham Hostpur have had their fair share of managers and players alike, but the League Cup became the instigator for the modern challenge that they have offered their fellow Premier League members. Demolishing their North London rivals Arsenal 5-1 in the second leg of the League Cup tie in 2008, a Jonathan Woodgate header sealed victory in the final at Wembley. Regardless of winning the trophy itself, beating Arsenal for the first time in 9 years signified a shift in the clubs mentality, finishing 8th, 4th, 5th and 4th again in the following years ahead. Making their name in the Champions League for the first time, Tottenham have become a potential threat to the title, all from the power of the League Cup.

Coming up to 8 years without silverware, the Islington based club Arsenal have immersed themselves in the worst start to a season for 30 years. With two League Cup finals in 2007 and 2011 proving to be the instigator for the demise of their season, it gives even more of a reason for the Gunners to finally put an end to their trophy less years. For Arsène Wenger, for the board, for the fans, for the doubters and for their future, Arsenal must win the Capital One Cup in 2012/2013. At all costs.

How important do Arsenal fans think the Capital One Cup should be this season? Get involved in the comments section.