Split views: Lehmann backs Arteta’s Kepa decision as Wright highlights key Arsenal flaw
Arsenal’s Carabao Cup final defeat has reignited debate over Mikel Arteta’s team selection, but former goalkeeper Jens Lehmann believes the bigger picture still favors the club as they enter a decisive stage of the season.
The north London side fell 2–0 to Manchester City at Wembley, missing the chance to secure their first piece of silverware in six years. While the result has drawn scrutiny, particularly around key decisions, Lehmann sees the setback as part of a longer-term process rather than a defining failure.
Kepa call under scrutiny
Arteta opted to stick with Kepa Arrizabalaga, who had featured throughout Arsenal’s domestic cup run, instead of recalling first-choice goalkeeper David Raya for the final.
That decision came under the spotlight shortly after the hour mark. Kepa misjudged a cross into the box, allowing Nico O’Reilly to score the opening goal before City added a second to secure victory.
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The error quickly became a focal point in post-match analysis, with some questioning whether Arteta should have abandoned his rotation policy for such a high-stakes occasion.
Lehmann, as reported by SPORTbible, rejected that view and defended both the manager’s decision and Kepa’s overall contribution.
“Not at all. Kepa is a good keeper and he got into the final with them. He did well,” Lehmann said.
Reflecting on the mistake, he added: “The ball he wanted to catch, it actually speaks for him that he wanted to catch it. He probably misjudged it a little bit, should have flipped it over the crossbar, but things happen.”
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A setback with potential benefits
Rather than focusing solely on the disappointment, Lehmann suggested the defeat could ultimately benefit Arsenal as they continue to compete on multiple fronts.
Arteta’s side remain in a strong position in the Premier League title race and are still active in both the FA Cup and the Champions League, keeping alive the prospect of a highly successful season.
“I would say I'm not unhappy they haven't won (the Carabao Cup), because you can't win four titles,” he said.
“This will give them more focus in winning the Premier League, the FA Cup and probably the Champions League.”
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Lehmann’s comments, via SPORTbible, reflect the challenge of balancing ambition with realism, particularly for a squad competing deep into several competitions at once.
Momentum shift and leadership concerns
The former Arsenal goalkeeper also highlighted what he saw as a key turning point in the match, when City began to take control and Arsenal struggled to respond.
“They missed a little bit of leadership on the pitch then,” Lehmann said, in comments reported by SPORTbible.
After a promising opening period, Arsenal were unable to maintain their intensity. Once City established their rhythm in the second half, Arteta’s side found it difficult to regain control or relieve the pressure.
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Wright questions attacking balance
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright, speaking on Sky Sports, focused on a different aspect of the team selection.
He argued that Gabriel Martinelli’s pace could have offered a way out for Arsenal when they were under pressure, stretching City’s defense and providing a more direct attacking threat.
“Gabriel Martinelli would always make my team, especially on a Wembley pitch like today. We need someone to run us out of problems,” Wright said.
He added: “Arsenal need to get out and we’re not holding the ball up well enough or long enough.”
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Instead, Arteta started Leandro Trossard, with Martinelli only introduced in the later stages of the match. By that point, however, City had already taken control, and Arsenal were unable to mount a comeback.
Focus shifts to the run-in
Despite the disappointment at Wembley, Arsenal have little time to dwell on the result. With crucial fixtures ahead in the league and cup competitions, the focus now turns to how they respond.
Lehmann believes the visible frustration among the players could serve as motivation in the weeks ahead, as Arteta’s side look to turn a missed opportunity into momentum for the remainder of the campaign.
Sources: SPORTbible, Sky Sports
