Mikel Arteta has defended his decision to start Kepa Arrizabalaga in the Carabao Cup final. The 31-year-old goalkeeper was picked ahead of David Raya, having started for Arsenal in each of the previous rounds of the competition.
Kepa failed to repay his manager's faith, making a couple of costly errors. During the second half, the Spain international spilt a cross in the six-yard box; it fell to Nico O'Reilly, who fired Manchester City into the lead.
The 21-year-old defender doubled his side's advantage a few moments later, scoring another header from close range. Speaking to reporters after the game, the Gunners boss explained why Kepa was given the nod.
"I understand, but I have to do what I think is right, which is honest and fair," said Arteta. "Kepa is an outstanding keeper, and it would've been very unfair on him to do something different."
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The Spaniard added: "I'm very sad. It's a hard one to take. We know how much it means and how much we wanted it. The fact we haven't managed to deliver that is disappointing and leaves a bad taste."
Whether it was right to play Kepa in the final, Arteta said: "I can never promise a player to play certain competitions, they have to earn it and do enough. We are guided by what we see.
Kepa Arrizabalaga made a big error during Arsenal vs Manchester City at Wembley
Kepa Arrizabalaga made a big error during Arsenal vs Manchester City at Wembley (Image: Julian Finney/Getty Images)
"What he's done in the competition, and how he helped us to get us to the final, I believe it was the right thing to do. Errors are part of football, and unfortunately it happened in a crucial moment."
Despite the errors made by Kepa, Arteta attributed the defeat at Wembley Stadium to his side's inability to capitalise on moments. He said: "There were different moments in the game.
"We had some really good ones in the first half, we had the biggest chance of the game by far and would have been 1-0 up. That would have changed the course of the game.
Rodri and Erling Haaland lift the Carabao Cup trophy after the team's victory in the Carabao Cup Final match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium.
Man City celebrate with the Carabao Cuo following their win over Arsenal. (Image: Julian Finney/Getty Images)
"In the second half, we had some issues to get out of the block in the first 20 minutes some issues to get out from that block, to press them better and manage the ball much better than when we did.
"We conceded the goal in an unexpected manner, and three minutes later they scored in similar conditions. Sometimes you have to give credit to the opposition, they capitalised when they were on top and we didn't."
Arteta later claimed that he and his squad will use the heartbreak to fuel the 'most amazing two months'. He said: "I want the players to have some perspective.
"What this team has done in the last eight months is incredible, and we're going to use the disappointment and the fire in the belly to have the most amazing two months we ever have had together.
"That's on us, we'll manage that energy in the right way. Now we have to go through that pain and disappointment, that's normal and it's part of football."
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Each week, they will dive deep into the biggest topics as they follow Mikel Arteta's side every step of the way - and will also discuss nostalgic flashbacks before each fixture.
It's a great time to be an Arsenal fan, with the Gunners flying high under Arteta as they look to win silverware this season.
The North Londoners are going strong in the Premier League and Champions League - and they're also in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
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