Pundit Jamie Carragher has pointed out the mistake that cost Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City. The Gunners suffered a chastening 2-0 defeat at the hands of their rivals, missing out on the first piece of silverware of the 2025-26 season.
Carragher posted on X that he believes Arteta to have been mistaken in choosing to start Kepa Arrizabalaga ahead of first-choice goalkeeper David Raya. He pointed out that the length of the club's trophy drought should have played a role in Arteta's mind during his team selection.
"A big mistake from Mikel Arteta to choose Kepa over Raya. When you’ve gone so long without a trophy you owe it to your supporters to play your best team in a final", he posted on X.
Arteta claimed to have started Kepa because he felt it was only fair to the Spaniard, who has been in goal for every Carabao Cup game this season. The 31-year-old joined the club last summer to provide cover for compatriot David Raya, and has only played in cup games.
Kepa Arrizabalaga ended up costing Arsenal with a howler on the hour mark, as he failed to catch a high cross from Rayan Cherki, allowing Nico O'Reilly to score. The former Chelsea man failed to make a single save during the game, with Manchester City scoring with both of their shots on target.
David Raya has been in excellent form for the Gunners this season and leads the Premier League for clean sheets with 15. He is widely considered as one of the world's leading goalkeepers and would have been an asset for his side if he played in the final.
Arsenal star set to withdraw from England squad following Carabao Cup absence: Reports
Arsenal midfielder Eberechi Eze is set to withdraw from the England squad for next week's internationals, as per reports. The 27-year-old was a spectator as his side bowed to a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City due to a calf injury.
Eze was among the goals for the Gunners in the UEFA Champions League win over Bayer Leverkusen in midweek but appeared to pick up an injury afterwards. He is now expected to pull out of the England squad that will face Uruguay and Japan, with Harvey Barnes set to take his place.
Eberechi Eze was sorely missed for his creativity and quality in attack as Arsenal struggled for most of the Carabao Cup final. Mikel Arteta's side generated just 0.63 xG and registered only four attempts on target in the encounter.