Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admitted the Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City was ‘painful’ for both players and supporters, but defended his decision to start goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga despite the Spaniard’s mistake that led to City’s opening goal.
Speaking after the 2-0 defeat, Arteta reflected on the contrasting halves of the game:
‘It was two very different halves, especially the first half when I think we were better than them and had the best two chances of the game. We didn’t capitalise on that. Credit to them for what we have done. A really sad day.’
Arrizabalaga’s mishandling of a Rayan Cherki cross allowed Nico O’Reilly to score from close range, a turning point that shifted momentum firmly in City’s favour.
Asked if he regretted the selection, Arteta stood by his choice:
‘I made a decision before the game based on what he has done all season, the fact he has played in the competition and helped us be where we are today. It would have been very unfair to choose a different one.’
Despite the setback, Arteta urged his players to channel their disappointment into the remainder of the season:
‘We had eight amazing months with this team. Today is a disappointment. We need to use that fire in the belly for the next two months to have an incredible season.’
The defeat ended Arsenal’s unbeaten run at Wembley under Arteta, but with the Gunners still leading Manchester City in the Premier League table, the manager insisted the focus must now shift to sustaining momentum in the title race.
