Mikel Arteta sticking with Kepa Arrizabalaga as keeper for FA Cup after Carabao Cup disaster

Arsenal are back from international break and looking to rebound from their first final loss of the year. Back up keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was caught in the crosshairs after the Carabao Cup loss to Manchester City, but Mikel Arteta is sticking with his number two shot stopper.

Can Kepa, Arsenal rebound?

Kepa started all of the Carabao Cup matches leading up to their final before the international break. Arteta entrusted the Spanish keeper for the match against City, but his decision backfired after a blunder that led to the first goal of the match.

There were a few mistakes made by the back up, but the biggest one came on a cross sent in to the box. He got his hands to it, but fumbled the ball right on to the head of Nico O’Reilly to put City up 1-0 in the 60th minute.

Arteta was questioned for his selection after the match, and defended his keeper who he describes as “outstanding.” The Gunners coach said “I understand that but I have to do what I feel is right and honest and what is fair. I think we have an outstanding keeper in Kepa. He’s played all the competition and I think it would have been very, very unfair for him and for the team to do something different.”

Mistakes “part of football”

Today, on the other side of the international break, Arteta has to make another decision at keeper. It appears that he is going to give Kepa another chance with a title on the line.

“He’s ready to play. I would never judge a player or make a decision against him just because he made a mistake. Attitude and behaviour, yes, 100 per cent, but mistakes are part of football and anyone can make them,” said Arteta.

After the loss to City, their dreams for a historic quadruple are over, but they are still in contention for three titles, with a nine point lead in the league, in the quarter of the Champions League and the FA Cup quarterfinal coming up against Southampton later tonight. If Kepa does get the start in the FA Cup, Arteta knows Kepa will feel the support from the entire squad. “I don’t know if he needs support, but he has already received it, first from his teammates, then from me and the coaching staff, and I hope from the fans as well.”

Related stories

Real Madrid

As Bellingham returns, Real's coach faces a dilemma

Liga MX

Chivas striker chases 45-year-old scoring record

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.