Jamie Redknapp has criticised Mikel Arteta for starting Kepa Arrizabalaga over David Raya in the Carabao Cup final, calling it a 'monumental error' that cost Arsenal the match. Arsenal lost 2-0 to Manchester City at Wembley on Sunday, extending their trophy drought to over five years.
Kepa, who had played in every previous round of the competition, made a mistake in the 60th minute that allowed Nico O'Reilly to score the opening goal. O'Reilly added a second header four minutes later to seal the victory for City.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Redknapp said: 'I know people will say sentiment because he's played in the earlier rounds, but Kepa is not as good as Raya - that's why he's your No 2. So why in a major final, when you're trying to get across the line, you've not won a trophy in so long, do you decide to play him. You have to take responsibility for that; that is a monumental error.'
Micah Richards echoed Redknapp's sentiments, stating: 'The difference between Raya and Kepa is so big, so in a big game, you're thinking, you've got to go with Raya. Ultimately we're talking about it because it cost Arsenal the game.'
