Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga should be sold next season. Players like him are thought to hinder the team’s development. It has been felt like he should be sold earlier than Gabriel Jesus.
Why Kepa Arrizabalaga has been termed as Unai Emery’s time player?
Unai Emery’s player signings came out to be wrong choices on several occasions. Current Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta has done a good job on his part. His preferred signings were fruitful for the team. Arteta had sufficient funds to build his team but he spent that money on the best suitable players. This has brought consistency at the club in the Premier League.
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As per reports, present Gunners’ coach, being a human has made a mistake. The club bought Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga last summer for €5.8 million. He was Arteta’s chosen player for the summer. But the 31-year-old’s time in the red side of London was not as expected. He was fantastic for Chelsea unlike their rivals. His performances for Gunners has created a feeling that he belongs from Unai Emery’s time. Kepa’s and Emery’s players did not suit the club’s culture.
Arsenal
Arsenal’s managerial stints before Mikel Arteta
Unai Emery was the manager of Arsenal from July 2018 to November 2019. He came as the potential successor of Gunners legend, Arsenal Wenger. But those 16 months in which he was in charge, did not go well in the Premier League.
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Unai Emery’s time at Arsenal was not great. He was at the dugout on 78 occasions as Arsenal coach. Emery had won 43 games with 55% win rate, as per ESPN data. At the end, he was sacked after not winning 7 matches on a stretch. The Spaniard has a good managerial C.V. throughout his career and has done brilliant at other clubs other than Arsenal. He has won several Europa Leagues. Unai’s main problem at Arsenal was recruiting new players as his choices did not work out.
What should be done with Gabriel Jesus and Kepa Arrizabalaga?
Gabriel Jesus is energetic and a sharp minded forward. But he does not have the ability of an out and out goalscorer. In that position, he has not been the competition for Viktor Gyokeres. The Brazilian has missed a lot of chances at Arsenal which counters his time at Man City.
Additionally, his injuries have forced him to be away from the field. His unavailability and inability to find the net have hindered his tenure at London. Jesus did mot come into the field from the bench for a single minute. His game against Southampton in FA Cup was below average.
Next year, the striker will enter into the last year in his contract and in the recent times, many clubs are monitoring his situation. He will most likely depart this summer for a fee to not let him move as a free agent.
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Everyone questioned Arteta’s goalkeeper choice after Kepa Arrizabalaga’s football performance against Man City in the EFL Cup final. He had made two crucial mistakes which let Arsenal down. They conceded two goals which were enough for City to win the trophy. He has played 11 matches for Gunners this season.
Kepa is not good on the ball with his feet and his ball distributions does not help Arsenal to build the play. The Spanish keeper does not have the current standards for the Arsenal jersey. Fortunately, to save the Londoners there is another Spanish keeper in the squad. David Raya is the first choice keeper for the Emirates side.
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Subhabrata Pal
Subhabrata Pal is a junior football writer who has contributed articles covering key developments in football. His work focuses on match events, player performances, and the narratives that shape discussions among fans and the wider football community. Through his contributions to Football Express, Subhabrata produced football coverage aimed at keeping readers informed about important moments, tactical trends, and evolving storylines. His writing blends clear reporting with analytical insights to deliver engaging and informative content for football enthusiasts.
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