Jamie Carragher Criticizes Mikel Arteta’s Choice of Kepa Arrizabalaga in Final

Jamie Carragher has publicly questioned Mikel Arteta’s decision to select Kepa Arrizabalaga as Arsenal’s goalkeeper for the Carabao Cup final. The goalkeeper’s error directly led to Manchester City’s opener at Wembley. Arsenal lost the match and missed a chance to end a long trophy drought.

The decisive moments

Kepa had featured in every round before the final. In the second half he failed to deal with a Rayan Cherki cross. Nico O’Reilly then headed home the first of his two goals.

Pundits respond

Carragher criticized the choice to persist with the second-choice keeper. He argued Arteta “does not owe Kepa anything” and must give supporters the best chance to win silverware.

Former midfielder Jamie Redknapp described the selection as a “monumental error.” Both pundits stressed Kepa is not at the same level as Arsenal’s first-choice keeper, according to their assessments.

Context and comparison

Carragher acknowledged the logic of rotating keepers in early rounds. He insisted, however, that a final demands the strongest available lineup. He referenced Liverpool’s use of Caoimhín Kelleher in their 2022 final as a different case.

Arteta’s defence

Mikel Arteta defended his decision after the game. He called Kepa an “outstanding goalkeeper” and said the player had been “phenomenal” in the competition.

Arteta added that errors happen in football. He said selecting Kepa was fair given his role in reaching the final.

Aftermath

The defeat leaves Arsenal without a major trophy in recent seasons. Carragher’s critique and wider pundit debate now add pressure on Arteta’s selection policies. Filmogaz.com will monitor reactions as the season continues.