Kepa Arrizabalaga has come under a lot of criticism at Arsenal in recent weeks.
The Spaniard started the Gunners’ Carabao Cup final clash against Manchester City before the international break, and he made an error that led to Nico O’Reilly’s opening goal.
Many feel that is the reason why Arsenal lost the game at Wembley, and some have even claimed that David Raya should play every game going forward because of that.
However, Mikel Arteta has made it clear that Kepa’s mistake will not have any impact on his selection.
RIGHT or WRONG: Mikel Arteta should not have started Kepa Arrizabalaga in the Carabao Cup final…
Mikel Arteta says he will ‘never’ drop a player because of a mistake
Many pundits have had a go at Arteta for choosing to start Kepa over Raya in the Carabao Cup final.
In hindsight, it does feel like a mistake because Raya is unlikely to have made the mistake that the former Chelsea man did at Wembley.
However, Arteta has fully defended his decision and claimed that Arsenal wouldn’t have been in the final if Kepa hadn’t saved them in a penalty shootout against Crystal Palace earlier in the campaign.
Furthermore, the Arsenal manager made it clear that he will never drop a player because of an on-field error.
He said, as relayed on HaytersTV: “I’m never going to judge a player or make a decision about a player because he has made an error.
“Attitude, behaviour.. yes, 100 per cent.
“Errors are a part of football; anybody can do it. The same Kepa took us to the final because of the penalties. Same player!”
Kepa Arrizabalaga is likely to start for Arsenal against Southampton
Arsenal take on Southampton in the FA Cup next, and Arteta has a decision to make in goal.
Raya has not played a minute in the cup competitions this season, and we don’t think he even expects to get the nod.
After Arteta’s comments in his press conference, we expect Kepa to keep his place in the side, and it is the right thing to do to help him recover his confidence.
However, if Kepa plays and makes a mistake against the Saints, that could well be his final game in Arsenal’s colours.
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