Jamie Redknapp has strongly criticised Mikel Arteta following Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final. The match was played at Wembley Stadium.

The main talking point after the game was Arteta’s decision to start Kepa Arrizabalaga instead of David Raya. Many believe this choice played a major role in Arsenal’s loss.

During the match, Kepa made a costly mistake that allowed Nico O’Reilly to score. The goal gave City control, and they went on to secure the win comfortably.

Redknapp did not hold back in his analysis, saying the decision was a “huge mistake.” He argued that finals require the best players, especially when a club is chasing its first trophy in years.

According to him, Raya has been Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper for a reason. Choosing a backup in such a crucial game, he said, was a risky move that did not pay off.

The defeat has now raised questions about Arteta’s decisions under pressure. Fans and analysts continue to debate whether the outcome could have been different with a stronger lineup.