Mikel Arteta has stood by his decision to start Kepa Arrizabalaga, even after the goalkeeper’s costly mistake in Arsenal’s EFL Cup final loss to Manchester City on Sunday.
The former Chelsea shot-stopper was preferred in place of first-choice David Raya for the final, but the decision backfired after his role in City’s first goal.
Kepa allowed a cross from Rayan Cherki slip through his grasps in the 60th minute, allowing Nico O’Reilly to head home into an empty net despite the best efforts of Martin Zubimendi.
Speaking after the match, Arteta who faced criticism for starting the 31-year-old, insisted Kepa had earned his place in the lineup, which is why he got the nod to start.
“I have to do what I think is right which is honest and fair”, Arteta stated.
“Kepa is an outstanding ‘keeper and it would have been very unfair on him to do something different.
“I can never promise a player to play certain competitions. They have to earn it and do enough”, the Spaniard added.
There was nothing Kepa could do about the second goal as Matheus Nunes found O’Reilly, who planted a superb header back across goal to give his side a 2-0 lead.
Despite Arsenal’s late flurry of chances, Manchester City held on to seal a ninth EFL Cup title.
Meanwhile, the Gunners’ hopes of a quadruple was ended and their wait for a major trophy continued.
“We are guided by what we see. What he’s done in the competition, and how he helped us to get us to the final, I believe it was the right thing to do”, Arteta continued.
“Errors are part of football and unfortunately it happened in a crucial moment.”
Arsenal will shift their attention to the remaining competitions after the international break, with matches to come in the last eight of the FA Cup and Champions League, while they are also in pole position in the Premier League standings.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
