Arsenal centre back Laurent Koscielny confessed he is very happy after the Gunners reached the Carling Cup Final after easing past Ipswich on Tuesday.

Speaking to Arsenal TV Online after the game, the Frenchman admitted the first leg of the semi-final at Portman Road was “not so good” and how it was important to make up for the disappointing defeat by doing well at the Emirates and move on to the Wembley Final. Asked about featuring at such an important venue, the 25-year old explained it will be his first time at Wembley as he added how he hopes for the Carling Cup to be his first trophy in an Arsenal jersey.

On why the Gunners have been so strong in the defensive department this year, the defender explained the players have realised they can be very strong in defence as a result of commitment and hard work from all players on the pitch.

And on why he celebrated in the way he did after scoring Arsenal’s second against the Blues, Koscielny concluded by confirming what was said by manager Arsene Wenger yesterday, that he will soon be a father, for the first time.

After Ipswich, Koscielny said:

I am very happy [to be in my first final with Arsenal] because the first leg of the semi-final was not so good. It was important to win this game at home and we did not concede and scored three goals.

I’ve never been to Wembley before, not even as a spectator. It’s a giant leap since playing for Tours in League Two. I was very happy to sign for Arsenal and I am settling down within the team but also in general. I do still need to progress and I hope to get my first trophy with this Carling Cup Final, at Wembley.

We’ve been feeling very good since the start of the year, in attack and defence, and the whole team is very happy to play this final. We have realised that we have the qualities to not concede. This is down to team work and not just the four defenders. We are working as a unit, whether in defence or in attack.

[My celebration] was for my girlfriend, who is pregnant. We are expecting a baby in March and it was for her. It is my first child.