Arteta backs Kepa choice after error costs Arsenal EFL Cup final

Kepa made a terrible mistake in the second half at Wembley by allowing Rayan Cherkis cross to escape his grasp, which handed Nico OReilly the opportunity to nod in Manchesters first goal.

Arsenal could not bounce back, and OReilly netted once more just four minutes afterwards, meaning the Gunners are yet to claim a significant honour since 2020.

Arteta decided to stick with Kepa rather than select primary goalkeeper David Raya, given that the exChelsea player has featured consistently in the League Cup throughout this campaign.

The decision proved costly as Kepa faced yet another tough League Cup final experience, following his 2019 incident when he declined to be replaced by Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri ahead of a penalty shootout loss to Manchester City, where he did not stop any shots.

Kepa also fluffed a spotkick in a shootout defeat to Liverpool three years ago.

When questioned on the backlash regarding his call, Arteta stated: I get it, but I must make the correct and equitable choice.

Kepa had featured in every match of the tournament, so it would have been unjust to him and the squad to switch things up.

He had progressed through the entire competition. Mistakes happen in football, and sadly, it occurred today at a vital time.

Leading the Premier League by nine points, Arsenal were expected to overcome Manchester, yet they could not step up.

Overly cautious for much of the Wembley encounter, Arsenal have not lifted silverware since the 2020 FA Cup, with their pursuit of four trophies ending in heartbreak.

It is very upsetting, a tough pill to swallow. We realise its importance and how desperately we desired it. Not achieving that is let down and leaves a sour feeling, Arteta remarked.

In the opening half, we outperformed them and created the games clearest opportunity; had we converted, the match would have shifted.

During the initial 20 minutes of the second period, we underperformed. We had trouble breaking out from our defensive setup and let in the goal in a surprising fashion, clearly.

Credit where it is due to the opponents. They improved and made the most of their chances. We did not.