Arsenal left Stamford Bridge with an advantage to take into the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
It was a memorable night for Mikel Arteta at Stamford Bridge, despite the scoreline suggesting a tight game.
Arsenal dominated for the most part, and should’ve scored more than they did, while the hosts shouldn’t have scored either of their goals by the Gunners’ standards.
Alejandro Garnacho scored a brace that would’ve infuriated Arteta, as unnecessary pressure has been put on his side heading into the second leg.
It’s uncharacteristic for Arsenal to concede goals as softly as they did at the Bridge, but let’s not forget one key change that the boss made to the back line.
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Kepa Arrizabalaga’s performance against Chelsea proved that he must leave Arsenal
Jurrien Timber made a rare appearance at left-back, but the most prominent change was between the sticks, as Kepa Arrizabalaga came in for David Raya.
It was a boost for Kepa, who has recorded consecutive starts at Arsenal following the FA Cup tie at Fratton Park; however, upon returning to his former home, some frailties showed.
For Garnacho’s second goal, the 31-year-old was far from where he should’ve been in the goalmouth when the Argentine’s shot came in.
It was a passage of play that Raya would’ve typically dealt with before any threat was there, but instead, Kepa failed to make contact with the cross under pressure, and the ball was there for Garnacho to strike.
Am I wrong? Arsenal would’ve taken a three-goal lead to the Emirates if David Raya started.
It was a terrible error for Kepa, but one that should seriously make the shot-stopper consider his future.
A player of his quality not playing for weeks on end is detrimental, which could have played a part in his lack of presence in the box at Stamford Bridge.
Low on minutes and exposure to significant matches, Kepa clearly needs to be playing more, which he deserves.
Even before the Chelsea game, rumours started to fly about whether Kepa could leave Arsenal in the summer.
Arsenal fans want Kepa to be dropped for the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg
Despite the quality Kepa offers to the Arsenal squad, it’s not useful if he’s not playing regularly enough, nor will the player stand for a permanent bench role.
Things could only get worse for the Spaniard, as his game time could be reduced even further, as fans are now calling for Raya to reclaim his place for the second leg.
One fan on X said, “Kepa didn’t do well today, and Raya should start the second leg.”
Should Kepa be dropped from the second leg starting XI?
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Plenty of others agreed, with a fellow Arsenal supporter posting, “If Arteta’s bold, he starts Raya in the second leg. Kepa was the weak link.”
Another X user suggested that the score line would’ve been different if Raya had started.
“If we played with Raya instead of Kepa we win that game easily with at least 2 goals clear.”
Finally, a fan called for Kepa to be axed from all big games in the future.
“Don’t wanna see Kepa in games that matter. In a lot of games he parries the ball to our opponents or doesn’t dominate his box well enough. Need Raya back in for the 2nd leg.”
Will Arteta be bold and drop Kepa, or stick by his summer signing? All will be revealed back in N5.
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