Arteta Under Fire for Starting Kepa in EFL Final
Last update: March 23, 2026
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Mikel Arteta faced criticism after starting Kepa Arrizabalaga over David Raya in Arsenal’s 2-0 Carabao Cup final loss...
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is facing criticism after his decision to start Kepa Arrizabalaga ahead of David Raya ended in a disappointing defeat in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester City.
CBI News reports that the Gunners lost 2-0 at Wembley, with Nico O’Reilly scoring twice to secure the first major trophy of the season for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Kepa’s error early in the second half proved costly, as he fumbled a routine ball, allowing O’Reilly to head into an empty net before adding a second goal minutes later.
Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp criticised Arteta’s decision, saying, “Kepa is not as good as Raya that is why he is your number two.
“You’ve gone so long without a trophy at Arsenal, and in a final, you decide to play him. It’s a monumental error by Arteta, and it has come back and backfired big time.”
Ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher also questioned the choice, arguing that team selection in a final should prioritise results over rotation.
“I’ve got strong views on playing the second goalkeeper. I don’t like it, but I can understand it in some situations,” Carragher said.
“But Mikel Arteta does not owe Kepa anything. He owes Arsenal supporters the best possible chance of winning the first trophy in six years. They’ve won one trophy in nine years.”
Despite the backlash, Arteta defended his decision, insisting he had no regrets.
“I would do that again. No regrets,” he said.
“I have to do what I think is right, honest and fair. It would have been very, very unfair on him and on the team to do something different.”
Despite the defeat, Arsenal remain competitive across multiple competitions this season, sitting nine points clear of Manchester City in the league while still active in Europe and the FA Cup.
