LONDON – Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is keeping his options open ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium, refusing to confirm whether Kepa Arrizabalaga will retain his place in goal. The match, set to kick off at 16:45 GMT, represents a significant opportunity for both clubs to claim the first major trophy of the season.
Arteta’s reluctance to definitively name his starting goalkeeper adds another layer of intrigue to a final already brimming with anticipation. While David Raya has been the preferred choice in the Premier League and Champions League this season, Kepa has played every minute of Arsenal’s League Cup campaign, maintaining clean sheets against Port Vale, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Chelsea in the semi-final second leg. The decision, as Arteta acknowledges, hinges on assessing the condition of all players following Saturday’s training session.
“We will spot how everyone is (after training on Saturday), and then we will make a decision,” Arteta stated, offering little clarity on his plans. This cautious approach underscores the weight of the occasion and the manager’s desire to field a team in peak condition for what he describes as a “defining moment.”
The Spaniard emphasized the ultimate importance of lifting the trophy, stating, “This is one of the defining moments because, at the end, it’s whether you win the trophy or not – and that’s the most important thing once you get to the final.” He added, “But to get there, you have to do a lot of things. So, we demand to prove it on the pitch.”
Arteta’s comments echo a sentiment shared throughout the Arsenal camp, where the focus is firmly on securing silverware. The club hasn’t won a major trophy since the 2020 FA Cup, and the opportunity to end that drought is a powerful motivator. The Gunners currently lead Manchester City by nine points in the Premier League, are through to the Champions League quarterfinals, and have an FA Cup semi-final against Southampton on the horizon. A successful Carabao Cup final could provide significant momentum for a potential quadruple-winning season, though Arteta has downplayed talk of such ambitions.
The choice between Raya and Kepa presents Arteta with a genuine dilemma. Raya has produced several crucial saves in recent weeks, including a late stop against Bayer Leverkusen and a stoppage-time effort from Alejandro Garnacho against Chelsea in a Premier League fixture. These moments highlight Raya’s growing confidence and ability to deliver under pressure. However, Kepa’s consistent performances throughout the Carabao Cup run, coupled with his familiarity with the competition, make a compelling case for his continued selection.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that Kepa is on loan from Chelsea. While Arteta has consistently praised Kepa’s professionalism and contributions, the symbolic weight of selecting a player from a rival club in a final is not lost on observers. It’s a testament to Kepa’s ability that he’s even in contention for such a significant match.
Arteta’s decision isn’t simply about selecting the best goalkeeper on paper; it’s about sending a message to his squad and acknowledging the contributions of players who have helped Arsenal reach this stage. The manager has demonstrated a willingness to make tricky decisions in the past, as evidenced by his handling of players like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Mesut Özil, and Aaron Ramsdale. This latest goalkeeping conundrum is simply another example of his commitment to prioritizing the team’s needs above individual preferences.
The Carabao Cup final represents more than just a chance to win a trophy; it’s an opportunity for Arsenal to demonstrate their progress under Arteta and establish themselves as genuine contenders for major honors. The atmosphere at Wembley is expected to be electric, with Arsenal supporters eager to see their team lift silverware for the first time in six years. Arteta has urged the fans to “attack the final” alongside the players, emphasizing the importance of their support in what promises to be a fiercely contested match.
Regardless of who starts in goal, Arsenal will need a strong performance across the board to overcome a formidable Manchester City side. The match is expected to be a tactical battle, with both managers likely to prioritize defensive solidity and exploit any opportunities that arise in the final third. The outcome could well hinge on moments of individual brilliance, and Arteta will be hoping that whoever he selects between the posts is up to the challenge.
Following the Carabao Cup final, Arsenal return to Premier League action on March 29th, hosting Luton Town at the Emirates Stadium. That match will provide a quick return to domestic duties and a chance to maintain their lead at the top of the table. The FA Cup semi-final against Southampton follows shortly after, keeping the focus firmly on silverware as the season reaches its climax.
Arsenal fans will be eagerly awaiting Arteta’s final team selection, knowing that the decision could have a significant impact on the outcome of the Carabao Cup final. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for both clubs.
