Kepa Arrizabalaga will start in goal for Arsenal in Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Manchester City, according to reports. The decision ends days of speculation after Mikel Arteta refused to confirm his choice earlier this week.
The 31-year-old, signed from Chelsea in the summer, has started every domestic cup tie for the Gunners this season. Despite David Raya being the first-choice goalkeeper in the Premier League, Arteta has opted to keep faith with Kepa for the Wembley showpiece.
Kepa has never won the League Cup, finishing as runner-up twice with Chelsea. Victory on Sunday would see him claim his first domestic trophy since moving to England in 2018. His opposite number, Pep Guardiola, has also decided to play second-choice keeper James Trafford instead of Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Arteta acknowledged the pressure to end a trophy drought that has lasted since his FA Cup win in 2020. 'It has been difficult to accept because I want to win every competition I'm involved in,' he said. 'When you go years without winning a trophy, it adds more necessity, but also more drive.'
Arsenal are still chasing a historic quadruple this season, but Arteta admitted the lack of silverware has been hard to stomach. 'You have to understand that sometimes other teams are better than you, and you must give absolutely everything,' he added.
