Carragher blasts Mikel Arteta over Kepa gamble as Arsenal lose Carabao Cup final
Jamie Carragher has criticised Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta for starting Kepa Arrizabalaga in their 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
City secured the first trophy of the season courtesy of a brace from Nico O’Reilly, with Kepa’s costly error leading to the opening goal.
Arteta opted to start Kepa ahead of first-choice goalkeeper David Raya, sticking with the Spaniard who had featured in Arsenal’s cup run a decision that has since come under intense scrutiny.
O’Reilly capitalised on a mistake from Kepa to head City into the lead before adding a second to seal victory for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Despite the defeat, Arteta defended his selection, insisting after the match that the decision to start Kepa was “right and fair” based on his contributions in the competition.
However, Carragher disagreed, arguing that sentiment should not outweigh the need to secure silverware.
“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 on Sky Sports.
“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.”
The defeat is expected to intensify pressure on Arteta, with Arsenal’s struggle for major trophies once again brought into focus despite recent progress under his management.
