Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta made the decision to stick with Kepa Arrizabalaga but the goalkeeper's error proved costly as they lost the Carabao Cup final to Manchester City
Mikel Arteta saw Arsenal's wait for a trophy extend
Mikel Arteta saw Arsenal's wait for a trophy extend
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Mikel Arteta claimed he had "no regrets" about starting Kepa Arrizabalaga in Arsenal's Carabao Cup loss to Manchester City.
The Spaniard was given the nod ahead of usual No 1 David Raya, and his understudy made a blunder that led to the opening goal at Wembley. Kepa has only been used on occasion this term, with all of his appearances coming in the cup competitions.
Despite there being the chance to end a six year trophy drought Arteta stuck by Kepa, but Raya's understudy costly error proved crucial in City delivering a major statement as they landed the first trophy of the season and dealt the Gunners a reality check.
Kepa has come unstuck in three Carabao Cup finals, losing with Chelsea in 2019 and 2022 before his forgettable day out with Arsenal. But Arteta insisted that any player can make errors and, if he had his time again, he would hand the former Athletic Bilbao the chance to start.
He told Sky Sports: "I would do it again. He deserved to play this game and has been phenomenal for us. Errors are part of football any anyone can make them."
Arsenal's wait for a trophy dates back to their FA Cup triumph in 2020, which came just months after Arteta was appointed in north London. The Gunners beat Chelsea in the last four to make the final and Arteta didn't hide the pain after coming within 90 minutes of success.
"It's painful when you get to a final and you have that will to win the first trophy of a season after eight months working on it is always tough," he said. "We had the best chance of the game to put it 1-0 and the game would be different. They had two shots and scored two goals."
Nico O'Reilly scored the opener as he seized on an error from Kepa Arrizabalaga
Nico O'Reilly scored the opener as he seized on an error from Kepa Arrizabalaga
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Arsenal do hold a nine point lead over City in the Premier League title race. They have played a game more and still have to travel to the Etihad, which could theoretically see their gap close to within three points. But the Gunners boss insists that one bad afternoon cannot undo months of good work - with three trophies still on the table.
Arteta said: "We had great incredible months together. Today is a disappointment, football is part of that. We have to use the fight to have two amazing months at the end of the season."
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