The Emirates was rather confused when Kepa Arrizabalaga was substituted late into Arsenal’s FA Cup fourth round clash against Wigan Athletic.
Arrizabalaga started the game in place of David Raya, allowing Arsenal’s number one to have a rest, watching the contest from the stands.
It was an enjoyable occasion for those involved, as Arsenal beat Wigan 4-0 to progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup.
One player who was involved, but perhaps expected not to be, was Tommy Setford, who was introduced in the 87th minute to replace Arrizabalaga in a peculiar substitution.
Who was Arsenal’s best performer against Wigan?
Explain your answers!
Kepa Arrizabalaga’s substitution in the FA Cup against Wigan saw Mikel Arteta correct a regret
It was a moment to behold for Setford, who made his home debut for Arsenal at the age of 19.
The goalkeeper was told to ready himself to go onto the pitch just before injury time, seeing Arrizabalaga come off.
Arrizabalaga wasn’t injured; Mikel Arteta just wanted to give Setford some well-earned minutes, which allowed the Arsenal manager to do something he’s been meaning to do for a very long time.
In a September 2023 press conference, after a 1-0 victory against Everton at Goodison Park, Arteta revealed the regret he had about not substituting goalkeepers.
“I’m a really young manager, I’ve only had three and a half years in the job, and I have a few regrets,” Arteta said at the time.
“One of them, it was that on two occasions, I felt after 60 minutes to 85 minutes, in two games, to change the keeper in that moment, and I didn’t do it. I didn’t have the courage to do it.”
The boss has the courage to do it now, as while the change wasn’t one of a tactical nature, it was a bold change nonetheless.
After the win over Wigan, Arteta explained why he chose to bring Setford on.
“I think everybody has to feel that he’s got a chance, and if there are players, one of them would be Tommy for his attitude and the way he helps everybody every single day. So if we have a chance to play him in some minutes, we have to try to do it.”
Tommy Setford reacts to making his Emirates debut
It was a heartwarming move from Arteta, as the Emirates gave Setford a warm welcome onto the pitch.
In his first action, Setford claimed a cross, which the fans appreciated.
Who would you most like to face next in the FA Cup and who would you like Arsenal to avoid?
After the game, the England U21 international reacted to making his home debut, posting on Instagram.
“Worth every minute! Thank you Arsenal,” Setford wrote as the caption, generating a lot of comments from his teammates and even some rivals.
“Deserved that Broski,” Declan Rice commented alongside many Arsenal players.
Chelsea’s Jorrel Hato also reacted, saying, “Yes!”, while Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly posted a clapping hands emoji.
Setford won’t forget Arteta’s decision, in what was a positive substitution in both the player’s and the manager’s careers.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
