Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been criticized by pundits for starting Kepa Arrizabalaga instead of David Raya after the keeper’s costly error in the Carabao Cup final.
Jamie Redknapp was unimpressed by Mikel Arteta’s decision to start Kepa Arrizabalaga instead of David Raya in the Carabao Cup final (Image: Sky Sports)
Jamie Redknapp has slammed Mikel Arteta after the Spaniard’s decision to start Kepa Arrizabalaga backfired after Arsenal lost 2-0 to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final.
David Raya is Arsenal’s No. 1 goalkeeper, but Kepa has started every game so far this season and remained in the squad for Sunday’s game at Wembley. Unfortunately for the former Chelsea keeper and Arsenal, it was his mistake in the first hour that gave Nico O’Reilly the opening goal of the match.
The Manchester City star scored his second goal just four minutes later with a header to ensure Arsenal continued their trophy drought for more than five years.
Redknapp then questioned Arteta immediately after the final whistle, saying it was a “serious mistake” to use Kepa instead of Raya.
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“I know people are going to be sentimental because he played in the early rounds, but Kepa is not as good as Raya. That’s why he’s number two,” Redknapp said on Sky Sports.
“Then why did you decide to play him when you haven’t won a trophy for a long time and are about to cross the line in a major final?
“You have to take responsibility for that, it’s a grave mistake.
Kepa’s nightmare moment cost Manchester City the game away from Arsenal (Image: 2026 Getty Images)
“I’m not saying he’s a bad goalkeeper, but he’s not as good as Raya and that backfired a lot. You could turn it around and say (James) Trafford isn’t his No. 1 either, but he made three big saves and was hardly tested after that.”
Mika Richards added: “I think that’s true. When you first asked about goalkeepers, Trafford was the No. 1 choice and he was ready. Donnarumma just came on the market.”
“The difference between Raya and Kepa is so big that in important games you think, ‘I have to go to Raya.’ Look, you can talk about it after[the game]is over, but in the end you’re talking about it because[by playing Kepa instead of Raya]it cost Arsenal the game.”
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