Dropping Kepa would have been brutally pragmatic. It’s odd Mikel Arteta didn’t do it
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Mikel Arteta chose to start backup goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga over first-choice David Raya in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City, prioritizing loyalty and rewarding Kepa’s contributions in earlier rounds rather than selecting the best option for the match.
- Arsenal lost 2-0, with Kepa’s error leading to the opening goal, highlighting the potential cost of Arteta’s sentimental decision, although other players also underperformed and the defeat was not solely due to the goalkeeper choice.
- Arteta’s approach contrasts with his previous pragmatic decisions, such as dropping players mid-competition, suggesting a belief that goalkeepers require different management due to their unique role and limited playing opportunities.
- Kepa’s history in cup finals has been marked by high-profile mistakes, and despite his strong form this season, his performance in this final raised questions about Arteta’s decision to rely on him in crucial matches.
- While Arteta defended his choice as fair and honest, the outcome may influence future decisions regarding goalkeeper selection in major finals, especially as Kepa continues to feature in other cup competitions for Arsenal.
