Ian Wright and the Carabao Cup final officiating team engaged in a good-natured exchange before kick-off regarding positioning on the pitch. Sky Sports and ITV microphones captured calls between the two groups, with presenter Mark Chapman needing to clarify what was happening while they were off-camera.

Peter Bankes is the referee, with Neil Davies and Steve Meredith serving as his assistants. Tom Bramall is the fourth official, with Marc Perry the reserve assistant referee. The officials were conducting their warm-up on the pitch beforehand, but Sky Sports’ broadcast was also being staged on the Wembley turf. Relocating towards the centre of the pitch is where complications emerged.

Wright could be heard saying: “What are you talking about?! We’re not in your way, we’re not in your way.”

Chapman explained: “We’ve moved on to the middle of the pitch where Ian’s just having an argument with the refereeing team about whether we’re in the middle of their warm-up or not.”

The exchange did not interrupt their broadcast significantly, however. Wright maintains it is not the be-all and end-all for Arsenal to triumph.

He said: “It’s very natural to start to dream, but this team knows how important it is to take that last step. No one in that dressing room will be getting carried away. I listen to them all speak; everyone is speaking about the next game.

“It would be massive for the players, the fans, for momentum and the dressing room to win today. This doesn’t affect the project if Arsenal lose today. The main thing is winning the Premier League, but this would be the icing on the cake.”

Wright also expressed plenty of optimism before kick-off. He added: “I’m feeling good about today.

“City’s team looks very strong, but the team [Arsenal] have got is testament to the depth of the squad. I can look at it and still be quite happy with it going out and playing in a one-off final.”