Costly Loyalty: Arteta Stands by Kepa Despite Wembley Heartbreak

Mikel Arteta has defended his controversial decision to start Kepa Arrizabalaga after Arsenal’s painful defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final. The match at Wembley ended 2-0, crushing Arsenal’s hopes of lifting silverware and ending their long wait for a major trophy.

The turning point came in the second half. Kepa misjudged a dangerous cross. The ball slipped through his hands. Nico O’Reilly reacted quickly and scored. Minutes later, he struck again. Arsenal never recovered. The mistake proved decisive in a game of fine margins.

Despite the error, Arteta stood firm. He insisted his choice was based on fairness and consistency. “I have to do what is right and fair,” he said. “Kepa had played all the competition. It would have been unfair to do something different.” The Spaniard emphasized that the goalkeeper had contributed throughout the tournament and deserved his place in the final.

The decision, however, has sparked debate among fans. Many questioned why first-choice keeper David Raya was left on the bench. The criticism grew louder after the costly mistake. Still, Arteta remained resolute. “Errors are part of football and unfortunately it happened today at a crucial moment,” he added.

Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart also weighed in. He acknowledged the pressure of such moments. “It is a massive moment. There is no getting away from it,” he said. He added that Kepa had been “faultless” for much of the game but would reflect on that key error.

For Arsenal, the loss extends a frustrating run without trophies since 2020. Their ambitions for a historic season have taken a hit. Yet Arteta remains optimistic. He believes the setback can fuel a stronger finish. “We’re going to use this disappointment and this fire,” he said, pointing to the remaining competitions ahead.

In contrast, Pep Guardiola celebrated a crucial win for City. He admitted few believed in his team before kickoff. “Nobody… would give £1 today for the victory,” he said. But his players delivered when it mattered most, turning doubt into triumph on the big stage.