WHY MIKEL ARTETA RISKED ARSENAL’S QUADRUPLE ON KEPA ARRIZABALAGA’S CUP LOYALTY
Jamie Carragher criticizes Mikel Arteta for starting Kepa Arrizabalaga over David Raya in Arsenal's 2-0 cup loss.
Jamie Carragher has voiced criticism of Mikel Arteta’s choice to stick with Kepa Arrizabalaga for the Carabao Cup final, especially after the Arsenal keeper’s error paved the way for Man City’s opening goal. At Wembley, Kepa failed to hold onto a cross from Rayan Cherki, which allowed Nico O'Reilly to score around the 60th minute. Not long after, O’Reilly doubled the lead for City, who held on to their 2-0 advantage and claimed their first domestic trophy of the season.
Despite this, Arteta stood by Kepa’s selection over David Raya, his usual first-choice keeper, saying he would make the same decision again. Kepa had been trusted throughout Arsenal’s run to the final, but Carragher wasn’t convinced this was the right call. Speaking on Sky Sports, the former Liverpool defender argued that Arteta had underestimated what was at stake: ending a long trophy drought for the Gunners.
Carragher expressed a clear dislike for playing the second-choice keeper in such important matches but admitted he could see when it might be acceptable. Still, his main point was that Arteta owes the fans the best possible chance of winning, especially considering Arsenal have only picked up one trophy in almost a decade. He sees the role of a backup goalkeeper as someone who can help in earlier rounds, but believes the final demands the strongest lineup.
“Playing the second goalkeeper in the final doesn’t make sense when the club hasn’t won enough trophies,” Carragher said. “Arsenal needs to do everything to finish the job, and that means putting in its best players, regardless of previous arrangements. The loyalty should be to the supporters more than to Kepa.”
Carragher also drew comparisons with Man City’s approach. Pep Guardiola started James Trafford over Gianluigi Donnarumma in the final, and despite Kepa’s error, Carragher saw a key difference. He argued that Guardiola owed Trafford a chance because he was originally signed to be the first-choice before being replaced mid-season, and the pressure on City to win wasn’t as pressing given their recent success.
“The situation with Trafford is distinct,” Carragher explained. “He came in for that role, but Donnarumma arrived as a late upgrade. Plus, Man City has won this competition several times recently, so the urgency isn’t comparable.”
He also mentioned players like Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher, who was trusted in finals because the club was determined to keep him, highlighting that Kepa’s background is different; he joined as a backup and hasn’t quite proven he’s at the top level, something Arsene Wenger hinted at during his Chelsea days as well.
Carragher emphasised that swapping Kepa for Raya isn’t a simple No. 2-for-No. 1 change. He pointed out that Raya has arguably been Arsenal’s standout player this season, so leaving him out for a crucial final means benching one of the team’s best, which is a risky move given their recent lack of silverware.
Arteta, meanwhile, defended his decision by noting that he never promised Kepa a spot in all cup games but acknowledged the Spaniard had earned his place through his performances up to the final. He said errors are part of football, and, though unfortunate, this one came at a crucial moment.
“I have to be honest and fair,” Arteta said after the match. “Kepa played every game in this competition so far, and changing that now wouldn’t have been right for him or the team. Players have to earn their place, and based on what Kepa showed during this run, I believe keeping him was the right call.”
WILLIAM SALIBA RULED OUT OF FRANCE VERSUS BRAZIL AND COLOMBIA FOLLOWING ARSENAL’S CARABAO CUP FINAL DEFEAT
Maxence Lacroix replaces Saliba for France as Arsenal also lose Eberechi Eze to injury ahead of the treble run-in.
Arsenal and France now face a setback as William Saliba has had to withdraw from international duty due to an injury. Saliba played through the entire Carabao Cup final, where Arsenal fell 2-0 to Manchester City, but it has since come to light that he suffered a problem with his left ankle. This injury has ruled him out of France’s upcoming games against Brazil and Colombia.
The French Football Federation released a statement confirming that Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix will step in for Saliba, marking Lacroix’s debut call-up to the senior national team. According to the federation, Saliba is dealing with recurring ankle pain that requires treatment and at least ten days of rest.
This is tough news for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who was already missing Eberechi Eze due to injury during the Carabao Cup final. Like Saliba, Eze has also been ruled out of England’s upcoming internationals, with Harvey Barnes called up to take his place. Arteta revealed after the final that Eze has a calf injury and will undergo further scans to assess the extent of the damage.
Losing both Saliba and Eze as the season heads into its crucial phase is a significant blow for Arsenal, especially with the team still pushing for a treble. They currently top the Premier League, holding a nine-point lead over second-place City, though City have a game in hand which could narrow the gap to six points with seven matches remaining.
Arsenal are on track to secure their first Premier League title since the 'Invincibles' season of 2003/04. In recent years, they’ve come close, finishing second three consecutive seasons, so this opportunity feels particularly important. In addition to the league, Arsenal remain contenders in the FA Cup and Champions League, with quarter-final ties against Southampton and Sporting, respectively.
Arteta will be hoping the international break offers Saliba enough time to recover and get back to full strength ahead of those crucial matches. Saliba had struggled with ankle issues before this season, missing key fixtures, including the win over Brighton and the FA Cup victory against Mansfield Town in March.
If Saliba’s recovery takes longer than hoped, Arsenal could turn to Cristhian Mosquera as cover. The 21-year-old defender, signed last summer, has shown promise and experience when called upon. He’s made 25 appearances across all competitions this season, starting 14 times. His most recent outing was in that Brighton win, where he filled in for Saliba and helped keep a clean sheet.
Injury troubles never come at a good time, but Arsenal will be keen to manage these setbacks carefully as they push to make a strong finish across all fronts.
JAMIE REDKNAPP DEMANDS POSITION CHANGE FOR BUKAYO SAKA FOLLOWING WEMBLEY FINAL LOSS
Jamie Redknapp suggests Arsenal move Bukayo Saka to the left wing to save their Premier League title hopes in 2026.
Jamie Redknapp thinks Arsenal’s hopes of winning the Premier League hinge on Bukayo Saka finding his best form again, maybe even by switching positions. After Arsenal’s 2-0 loss to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final, Saka had another quiet day on the pitch.
In the first half, Arsenal looked a bit sharper and almost scored when Kai Havertz tested City’s keeper, James Trafford. But once the second half started, Manchester City took control, with Nico O’Reilly scoring twice quickly to clinch the trophy for Pep Guardiola’s team.
Saka used to be one of Arsenal’s most dangerous players, but lately, he’s been struggling, managing only two goals since early December. Redknapp pointed out that Saka isn’t quite reaching the level he’s capable of and suggested that moving him to the left wing might help reignite his spark.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Redknapp said, “This is where your key players have to step up. Right now, I feel Saka isn’t performing at his best. I want to see more from him. He’s been a difference-maker for Arsenal many times before, but recently, that creativity and goal threat have been missing. With players like Max Dowman and Noni Madueke waiting in the wings, maybe a position change could help. It looks like he’s struggling to get past opponents, and he needs to play with more confidence if Arsenal want to clinch the title.”
Even though Arsenal’s chance at a quadruple ended abruptly, they still lead the Premier League by nine points over City. Redknapp, however, believes City’s Carabao Cup victory shifts the tone of the title race, making it tighter than before.
He added, “Last year, when Liverpool lost to Newcastle, they had a 12-point lead with no games in hand. That kind of cushion makes a difference. For Arsenal, this defeat brings doubts and negativity. I wouldn’t say it puts City back in the race entirely, but it definitely gives them a big chance when they meet again in April.”
Ian Wright, another Arsenal legend, echoed this sentiment. He noted that although Arsenal is ahead by nine points, City’s game in hand means the margin could shrink, turning up the pressure on Arsenal.
Wright said, “The pressure’s really on now. This nine-point gap isn’t as safe as it looks. Arsenal need to refocus and get back on track. Wins, no matter how they come, even from set pieces, are what matter. That resilience is in their DNA, and they’ve got to kick it into gear because the season isn’t over yet.”
Aside from the league, Arsenal still have Champions League and FA Cup quarter-final matches ahead, taking on Sporting and Southampton, respectively. Plenty to keep an eye on as the season unfolds.
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