Jamie Redknapp slams Mikel Arteta decision as 'monumental error' costs Arsenal dear

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Jamie Redknapp pointed the finger at Mikel Arteta following Arsenal 's 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final after the Spaniard's decision to start Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal backfired.

David Raya is Arsenal's No.1 goalkeeper but Kepa retained his place in the team for Sunday's game at Wembley after starting in every previous game in the competition this term. Unfortunately for the former Chelsea keeper and Arsenal, it was his mistake on the hour mark that gifted Nico O'Reilly the opening goal of the game.

The homegrown Manchester City star plundered a second headed goal just four minutes later to ensure Arsenal's five-plus year trophy drought would continue .

And Redknapp pointed the finger at Arteta after the final whistle, saying that going with Kepa over Raya was a "monumental error".

"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," said Redknapp on Sky Sports .

"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.

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"I'm not saying he's a bad goalkeeper, but he's not as good as Raya and it has backfired big time. You can turn around and say [James] Trafford isn't your No 1 either, but he made three big saves and then he was hardly tested."

Micah Richards added: "I think you're right. When you asked about goalkeepers at the start, Trafford was brought in as a No 1, he was ready - it's just that Donnarumma came on the market.

"The difference between Raya and Kepa is so big, so in a big game, you're thinking, 'you've got to go with Raya'. Look, we can talk about it after [the game], but ultimately we're talking about it because [going with Kepa over Raya] cost Arsenal the game."

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