"Arteta is known for his ruthlessness but, by opting to stick with cup goalkeeper Kepa for the Carabao Cup final, he showed a rare glimpse of his sentimental side - especially with Arsenal having not won a major trophy since 2020."
"Kepa's error - when he let Rayan Cherki's cross slip through his fingers - allowed Nico O'Reilly to head Manchester City into the lead. And Pep Guardiola's side never looked back."
"Chris Sutton stated, '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?'"
"Arteta said it would have been 'very unfair' if he had not stuck with the Spain international, who had played every round of the cup competition before the final."
Mikel Arteta's choice to start Kepa Arrizabalaga in the Carabao Cup final proved detrimental as Kepa's mistake allowed Manchester City to take the lead. Despite Arteta's reputation for ruthlessness, he opted for sentimentality, having not won a major trophy since 2020. Kepa's error contrasted sharply with Manchester City's goalkeeper, James Trafford, who performed excellently. Critics questioned the decision to play a second-choice goalkeeper in a final, emphasizing the importance of fielding the best team to secure victory.
Read at www.bbc.com
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