Jamie Redknapp has demanded that Mikel Arteta shoulder responsibility for Arsenal's Carabao Cup final defeat after the manager opted to field backup goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga instead of first-choice David Raya at Wembley.
The Gunners fell 2-0 to Manchester City in a match where Arteta's selection proved decisive, with the Spanish shot-stopper's error directly contributing to the opening goal.
Kepa had featured in every preceding round of the competition, earning his place through Arsenal's cup goalkeeper rotation policy, whilst Raya typically handles Premier League and Champions League fixtures.
The decision was viewed by many observers as a gamble that ultimately backfired spectacularly, with pundits questioning why Arteta would deviate from his strongest available options in such a significant fixture.
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The critical moment arrived shortly after the hour mark when Kepa advanced from his line attempting to claim a cross from Rayan Cherki, only to spill the ball directly into the path of Nico O'Reilly, who capitalised on the gift.
The young midfielder doubled his tally just four minutes later as City secured a comfortable victory.
Redknapp was unsparing in his assessment of Arteta's team selection, telling Sky Sports: "I know people will say sentiment because he's played in the earlier rounds, but Kepa is not as good as Raya, that's why he's your No 2."
Kepa Arrizabalaga endured a nightmare day as Arsenal lost to Man City in the Carabao Cup final
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The former Liverpool midfielder continued: "So why in a major final, when you're trying to get across the line, you've not won a trophy in so long, do you decide to play him?
"You have to take responsibility for that - that is a monumental error."
When challenged about City's own backup goalkeeper James Trafford making three excellent saves in the opening period, Redknapp acknowledged the comparison but maintained his position: "I'm not saying he's a bad goalkeeper, but he's not as good as Raya and it has backfired big time."
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Nico O'Reilly scored twice as Man City beat Arsenal to win the Carabao Cup
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Micah Richards supported his fellow pundit's analysis, highlighting the crucial distinction between the two clubs' goalkeeping situations.
Trafford had arrived at City expected to become their primary keeper before Gianluigi Donnarumma's subsequent signing pushed him into cup duty, with nine of his 13 appearances this season coming in domestic knockout competitions.
Richards emphasised the quality gap between Arsenal's options: "The difference between Raya and Kepa is so big, so in a big game, you're thinking, 'you've got to go with Raya'.
"Look, we can talk about it after, but ultimately we're talking about it because (it) cost Arsenal the game."
Despite the criticism, Arteta remained defiant when questioned about his selection after the final whistle, insisting he would make the identical choice again.
Mikel Arteta stood by his decision to play Kepa Arrizabalaga following Arsenal's loss to Man City in the Carabao Cup final
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"I made a decision before the game based on what he has done all season," the Arsenal manager explained.
"The fact he has played in the competition and helped us be where we are today. It would have been very unfair to choose a different one."
Gary Neville offered additional criticism, describing Kepa's habit of placing his foot on the ball to slow play while seeking passing options as "nonsense," suggesting it invited sustained City pressure.
The Wembley disappointment adds to Kepa's troubled cup final history, having infamously refused substitution against City whilst at Chelsea in 2019, and missing the decisive penalty against Liverpool in 2022.