Mikel Arteta has faced criticism following the Carabao Cup final for selecting Kepa Arrizabalaga as his starting goalkeeper. Kepa has served as Arsenal’s first choice in the competition throughout the season, making his inclusion in the final a logical decision from a managerial perspective.
Before the game, Arteta refrained from confirming the goalkeeper selection, leaving some supporters anticipating that David Raya would start, given his reputation for greater reliability. Despite this, Arsenal opted to maintain continuity in the cup, keeping Kepa between the posts.
Importance of Backup Goalkeepers
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has defended the decision, emphasising the importance of giving Kepa regular minutes as the backup. Speaking to The Sun, Lehmann explained, “Why not stick with him? Kepa is a good keeper and he’s up for the cup games. You should give him playing time because something could happen to Raya and then you need a good backup on the bench who is full of confidence and knows he has the trust of his manager.”
Kepa’s role is critical in maintaining squad stability. While he must improve certain aspects of his game, these are areas that can be developed over time. Ensuring that he remains active and trusted is essential, particularly in the event that Raya suffers a long-term injury.
Preparing for Contingencies
For Arsenal, managing their goalkeeping options effectively is vital. Kepa must be prepared to step in and perform at a high level whenever required. Regular game time in cup competitions not only boosts his confidence but also guarantees that he remains match fit and ready to contribute when needed.
Ultimately, Arsenal’s approach reflects a strategic balance between rewarding consistency and preparing for contingencies. Trusting Kepa, while he is not the first choice, allows the club to maintain a reliable backup option and ensures the squad is fully equipped for the demands of the season.
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What a sensible, professional and obvious thing for Jens, our Invincible keeper, to say.
Now we know what someone who’s actually played for the club and in the position where any mistake is magnified 100%, perhaps we can move on?
you say that
I have heard many ex pros say it was a mistake to play him
But not Mr Wenger’s Invincible goalkeeper though Dan.
As you said Mr Wenger had the double from the previous year to back up his statement that we could go through a season undefeated in the PL with Jens in goal, surely you’d take the views of such a keeper above that of, say, an ex spud, manure or pool outfield player?
nah I respect any opinion including from Arsenal legends who equally agree with me
but it makes little sense why your trying to still debate it was the right decision when you seen it wasn’t
I couldn’t have been more right
all I can do is say peeps playing Kepa will be a mistake and if you still think I’m wrong after Sunday then I can’t help you
Well said Jens. A former goalie who knows what he’s talking about.
David Seaman has critiqued Mikel Arteta for prioritising sentiment over ruthlessness by starting Kepa Arrizabalaga over first-choice goalkeeper David Raya.
Seaman’s Stance on the Selection
Seaman argued that the decision to start Kepa—likely as a reward for his play in earlier rounds—backfired significantly.
Kepa made a “howler” in the 60th minute, dropping a cross that led directly to Manchester City’s opening goal.
Ruthlessness vs. Continuity: Seaman believes Arteta “reneged on his ruthlessness,” opting for the sentiment of playing a cup goalkeeper rather than the “best choice” in Raya.
Impact: According to Seaman, Raya’s superior shot-stopping and “cat-like saves” might have kept Arsenal in the game.
dont worry Ken I’ll write to the reporter who also wrote he dropped the cross lol
Fact over fiction every time Dan and I thought these were your views, not somebody else’s?!
no just counting your point that look a former Arsenal keeper said Kepa should start and he must know what he’s saying
so equally showing you that another Arsenal legend / keeper says it was a mistake to play him
you know it’s what I think
I correctly told you before the game it would cost us
countering
Seaman believes, but actually doesn’t know for sure 🤔
He “might” have Dan and if Havertz had scored in the first twenty minutes, we “might” not have had to worry about what Kepa did.
oh wait …..well said David
former goalie who knows what he’s talking about 😉
Oh wait…. David Seaman who got lobbed from the halfway line in Paris in 1995 😉
Careful HD, Dan will say he’s being bullied and ganged up against again.
This never ending scapegoating of players has been going on with Arsenal fans for as long as I can remember.
Derek Tapscott is my first real recollection of being amazed by the hostility of so called fans against one of our own.
Every player I have ever watched has made mistakes and “safe hands” is a perfect example of that and he’s one of our greatest, as was Lehman, who followed him between the sticks.
How this continued criticism of Kepa is supposed to help the club and unite our fans after such a disappointing result, I fail to understand.
we have a different understanding of scapegoating
I simply said last week it was a mistake to play him and he proved me wrong
if he had been amazing I would equally point it out
unfortunately his error is undeniable
that’s not scapegoating, it’s simply what happened
Yet you haven’t written a word about any other individuals mistake during the game and I’m sure you’ll agree Dan, you could write a long article about each and every player who started the game on Sunday.
Actually, you don’t point out equally when you get things wrong, but that’s by the by.
because his mistake cost us a goal
you say ….oh but Havertz should have scored etc …..
every week a player misses a chance , that is expected
what is not expected is for your keeper to do what Kepa did
the point you miss is there was a better option on the bench
I’m not saying I was right to boast , im saying that having known my option before the game why do you think I will change my mind after his mistake
Because it’s you trying to change my mind , not the other way around
if you think it was the correct decision to play him ,while I don’t understand it , that’s your right
I be surprised if he starts say the FA Cup Final if we get there
Yes Kepa did cost us a goal, but yet you fail to say anything about Saka costing us a goal by not marking O’Reilly. So yes, you are scapegoating Kepa.
👆😂
Yes Dan, when a keeper makes a big error, it usually results in a goal, but when a forward misses a chance, it’s often just passed off as ‘not match-changing, better luck next time.’
Kepa’s was a standout performance among a collective team failure.