Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp has slammed Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta for starting Kepa Arrizabalaga ahead of David Raya in goal during the Gunners’ 2-0 loss to Manchester City in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final.
Kepa’s error proved decisive as City secured the win at Wembley Stadium, with Nico O’Reilly scoring both goals to hand Pep Guardiola’s side the trophy.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Redknapp called Arteta’s selection a “huge error of judgment.”
“Kepa is not as good as Raya—that is why he is your number two,” Redknapp said. “You’ve gone so long without a trophy at Arsenal, and in a final, you decide to play him. It’s a monumental error by Arteta, and it has come back and backfired big time.”
Redknapp’s comments have intensified scrutiny on Arteta’s decision-making in high-stakes matches, with critics questioning the reasoning behind starting Kepa in such a crucial final.
