Arsenal face Manchester City in the final of the Carabao Cup, and Kepa Arrizabalaga is making the headlines ahead of the clash.
The Spaniard has played every single game in the competition so far this season, and he has been brilliant. He has conceded just three goals in five fixtures and was also the hero in the penalty shootout against Crystal Palace.
With the final ahead of us, there is a debate going on over whether Kepa should continue in goal or if Mikel Arteta should bring David Raya into the side.
One alarming stat could sway the Arsenal boss’ decision.
Who should start in goal for Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final?
Stick with Kepa or be ruthless and start Raya?
Kepa Arrizabalaga’s cup final record is worrying for Arsenal
Kepa Arrizabalaga has been in the game for a long time.
The 31-year-old was Chelsea’s number one after his world-record move from Athletic Club, and he helped the Blues reach multiple finals.
Two of those were in the Carabao Cup, and the other three in the FA Cup.
Kepa played in both League Cup fixtures, but he was on the losing side against Manchester City in 2019 and Liverpool in 2022. He missed the decisive penalty against the Reds in that game.
In the three FA Cup finals, Kepa was on the bench twice and started the other game. Chelsea failed to win any of those fixtures either.
The final he played and lost was against Leicester City, who won the game through a long-range strike from Youri Tielemans. Chelsea fans slammed him for letting that in (GMS).
So, Kepa’s record in English domestic cup finals when he has been in the matchday squad reads five games and five defeats. That is not a good look at all going into the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.
Arteta has kept his faith in the goalkeeper so far and has often heaped praise on him. It now remains to be seen if that trust will remain when Arsenal face Manchester City at Wembley.
Dropping Kepa would be a ruthless decision, but it may just be what’s needed to guarantee a win.
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