Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s decision to stick with Kepa Arrizabalaga backfired in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester City, a call that may haunt him after a costly defeat.
Any hopes of an Arsenal quadruple this season were dashed at Wembley, where a lackluster performance allowed Manchester City to claim a 2-0 victory.
Despite his reputation for decisiveness, Arteta opted for sentimentality by starting Kepa—Arsenal’s cup goalkeeper—in the final, even though the club has been waiting for a major trophy since 2020.
Kepa’s mistake, failing to deal with Rayan Cherki’s cross, gifted Nico O’Reilly the opening goal, and City quickly doubled their lead to secure the win.
The omission of first-choice keeper David Raya came under even greater scrutiny after City’s James Trafford, initially signed as their number one before Gianluigi Donnarumma’s arrival, delivered a commanding display, including a vital triple save to deny Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka.
Trafford’s clean sheet stood in stark contrast to Kepa’s struggles, with post-match debate centering on Arteta’s selection.
Former striker Chris Sutton was among the critics, questioning why managers persist with second-choice goalkeepers in finals rather than fielding their strongest teams: “I never understand why managers play their second-choice goalkeepers in cup finals. You’re trying to win a trophy—why wouldn’t you play your number one to give yourself the best possible chance? That’s just common sense.
Despite the disappointment, Arsenal are still in the hunt for the FA Cup, Premier League, and Champions League, keeping their hopes of a historic treble alive. The Gunners must now refocus on domestic and European campaigns as they look to make the most of their promising season.
