Mikel Arteta is about to begin Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal for Arsenal’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester City on Sunday.
Kepa has began in all five of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup matches this season, in addition to the three matches within the FA Cup.
But Raya’s impressive performances in recent weeks has led to a bit of Arsenal supporters calling for him to begin ahead of Kepa for Sunday’s final at Wembley.
In keeping with The Athletic, ‘sources with knowledge of the club’s plans’ are suggesting that Arteta has opted to persist with Kepa in goal for the ultimate against Manchester City.
Asked if Kepa will keep his place for the ultimate, Arteta said during his pre-match press conference on Friday: ‘We are going to see how everybody is [after training on Saturday], after which we’ll make the choice.’
When asked if changing goalkeepers makes a difference, Arteta replied: ‘No, because we don’t have that feeling amongst players.
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‘We actually trust our teammates and in that case especially while you work with the standard of the keepers that we now have immediately at Arsenal. They played at the very best level with other clubs they usually have the experience to cope with any type of situation.’
Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson, who won the League Cup with the Gunners in 1993, also believes Arteta should proceed to play Kepa.
‘The massive decision that Arsenal must make is whether or not they go together with Kepa Arrizabalaga or David Raya in goal,’ Merson told Sportskeeda.
‘Kepa has been first-choice within the Carabao Cup, and I feel they need to persist with him. It’s only fair because he played well and got you to this stage.
‘But I have to admit, Raya is world-class. The saves he made against Everton and Leverkusen were absolutely phenomenal.
‘Nevertheless, if I were the manager, I might still stick with my principles and select Kepa because the keeper for the ultimate. He’s not let the team down on this competition and deserves to begin.’
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