Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has openly criticised Mikel Arteta following Arsenal’s defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final.
Arsenal suffered a disappointing 2-0 loss in the high stakes encounter, missing out on the chance to win their first trophy of the 2025 to 2026 season. The result also extended the club’s wait for silverware, a situation that has continued to frustrate supporters.
After the match, Carragher pointed to Arteta’s team selection as a key factor behind the defeat. He questioned the decision to start Kepa Arrizabalaga ahead of the club’s first choice goalkeeper David Raya.
According to Carragher, a final of such importance demands that managers go with their strongest available lineup. He stressed that Arsenal’s long trophy drought should have made that decision even more straightforward, insisting that supporters deserved to see the best possible team on the pitch.
Arteta, however, defended his choice after the game. The Arsenal boss explained that Kepa had featured in every round of the Carabao Cup this season and deserved to keep his place for the final. The Spanish goalkeeper joined the club last summer as a backup option and has mainly been used in cup competitions.
Despite that reasoning, the decision did not pay off on the night. Kepa struggled to make an impact and was involved in a crucial moment that shifted the game. Around the hour mark, he failed to properly deal with a cross from Rayan Cherki, allowing Nico O’Reilly to take advantage and score.
It was a difficult outing overall for Arsenal, as Manchester City made the most of their chances. The Premier League champions converted both of their shots on target, while Kepa was unable to produce a single save throughout the match.
Meanwhile, Raya has been one of Arsenal’s most reliable performers this season. The Spaniard currently leads the Premier League with 15 clean sheets and has played a major role in the team’s defensive stability. His absence from the starting lineup in such a crucial match has now become a major talking point.
In the end, Arsenal were left to reflect on what might have been, as questions continue to surround Arteta’s decision making on one of the biggest nights of their season.
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