Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta got a few decisions wrong during the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City.
Everyone is already talking about the call to start Kepa Arrizabalaga instead of David Raya. In hindsight, that was a mistake and shouldn’t have been done.
Jamie Redknapp has identified another mistake Arteta made – not turning to Gabriel Martinelli sooner.
Arsenal fans, what is the biggest mistake Mikel Arteta made in the Carabao Cup final?
Jamie Redknapp says he was amazed that Mikel Arteta didn’t bring on Gabriel Martinelli sooner vs Manchester City
Mikel Arteta opted to go with Leandro Trossard over Martinelli on the left wing in the Carabao Cup final.
That wasn’t a big surprise because the Belgian has had the better season, but he was really poor against Manchester City on Sunday.
Trossard offered almost nothing in attack throughout the game, and many people wanted him to be replaced by Martinelli soon after the break.
However, Arteta waited until the 82nd minute before bringing the Brazilian on, and that really surprised Redknapp.
The pundit said on Sky Sports: “Kai Havertz had a chance very early in the game. Apart from that, City were dominant. They had a moment when they started to struggle, but once they got through that, they got a hold of the game.
“Semenyo was causing problems in wide areas. Cherki was a constant menace; he has so much flair and seems to love playing at Wembley.
“City were by far the better team. Arsenal didn’t have an answer. They missed Odegaard, no Eze, they had no real cohesion, no pace up front.
“I was amazed Martinelli didn’t come on earlier.”
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Arsenal cannot complain about losing the Carabao Cup final
Arsenal did not deserve to win the game against Manchester City at Wembley.
Yes, the Gunners were good in the first half, and if Kai Havertz had scored from his chance, the game would’ve been completely different.
However, after half-time, there was only one team on the pitch, and that was Manchester City.
They completely dominated the Gunners and made them look clueless at times.
It is a tough defeat for Arsenal, but they can only blame themselves for just not turning up in the second half.
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