Mikel Arteta Accused of Making a Serious Mistake That Cost Arsenal the Carabao Cup

The Arsenal coach was heavily criticized for putting Kepa in the starting eleven after losing to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup

Arsenal's Defeat to Manchester City

Arsenal stumbled again at Wembley, and Mikel Arteta's decision to start Kepa Arrizabalaga in the Carabao Cup final drew considerable criticism in Europe due to the Spanish goalkeeper's performance. Arteta's side lost 2-0 to his mentor's team, Guardiola's Manchester City.

Criticism of Kepa and Arteta

The goalkeeper came under heavy criticism for making a mistake on Nico O'Reilly's first goal, which gave Guardiola's team a partial lead. Football and media personalities, including Redknapp, commented on the goalkeeper’s serious mistake: “It’s not sentimentality; it’s a huge mistake. Kepa isn’t as good as Raya; that’s why he’s the second goalkeeper. In a big final, you have to pick the best,” said the former soccer player. Gary Neville also added to those statements with his own: “The City fans could smell blood behind that goal,” and he described the Spaniard’s performance as “a huge mistake at a crucial moment,” said the Sky Sports commentator.

Arteta’s response

In any case, Arteta defended his stance on the decision to include Kepa in the starting lineup: “I have to do what I believe is right, what is honest and fair. Kepa played the entire tournament and helped us get to this point. It would have been very unfair to choose another player,” explained the Arsenal manager.

Thus, the London team continues its drought of domestic titles and sparks a debate about Mikel Arteta’s management in crucial matches.