Kepa fails three times in League Cup finals, Arteta criticized for not using Raya

Kepa's errors proved costly for Arsenal in the English League Cup final against Manchester City.

Manchester City defeated Arsenal 2-0 last night to win the English League Cup. Goalkeeper Arrizabalaga started instead of David Raya in this match, but he conceded two goals, leading to Arsenal's defeat.

In the 60th minute, Kepa let the ball slip through his hands while blocking Rayan Cherki's cross, inadvertently allowing Nico O'Reilly to head in the opening goal for Man City. Just four minutes later, O'Reilly scored another header, securing the victory for the away team.

Expert Jamie Redknapp openly criticized manager Arteta's decision, stating that keeping Raya on the bench was "a major mistake".

On Sky Sports, Redknapp said: "I know people will say it's sentimentality because Kepa played in the earlier rounds, but Kepa is not as good as Raya, and that's why he is the second-choice goalkeeper. So why, in a crucial final, when the team is striving to cross the finish line, having been without a trophy for so long, was Kepa chosen to start?"

"Arteta must take responsibility for that. It was a huge mistake. I'm not saying Kepa is a bad goalkeeper, but he is not as good as Raya, and the consequences were severe. You could say James Trafford (Man City) is also not the number one, but he made three crucial saves and was hardly challenged," Redknapp added.

Former Blackburn striker Chris Sutton told BBC Radio 5 Live: "I don't understand why managers let the second-choice goalkeeper play in cup finals. You want to win trophies, why not give the number one goalkeeper the best chance? That's common sense."

The English League Cup brings sad memories for Kepa. The goalkeeper has lost all three finals he participated in. While playing for Chelsea in 2019, he refused to be substituted before the penalty shootout. In 2022, Kepa missed a penalty causing Chelsea to lose to Liverpool. This year, his mistake cost Arsenal dearly.

European football expert Julien Laurens commented: "Today, I would never let Kepa start. In a final like this, there is no room for sentimentality. Arsenal must field their best lineup. Choosing Kepa over David Raya, in my opinion, was a wrong decision."

"I know it's harsh, but I think Arteta and the players will learn a lot from today, because such finals are decided by choices, not only on the pitch but also during halftime," Julien Laurens added.

Joe Hart, former England and Man City goalkeeper, told BBC Sport: "Arteta didn't need to put Kepa on the field. I always say don't sympathize with goalkeepers. Kepa played well for most of the match, but this big moment will leave a lesson for him."