Arsenal keeper set to start Carabao Cup final over £27m rival

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Kepa Arrizabalaga is set to start in goal for Arsenal when the Gunners face Manchester City in today’s Carabao Cup final at Wembley, despite speculation that David Raya could be selected for the showpiece event.

The Spanish goalkeeper has been Arsenal’s cup keeper throughout the competition and played a crucial role in the club’s progression to this stage. His consistent performances have earned him the trust of Mikel Arteta, who appears set to reward loyalty over switching to his Premier League number one.

Continuity over change

While Raya remains first choice in the Premier League and Champions League, the high stakes of a final had led to suggestions that Arteta might opt for his established number one. However, the Arsenal manager appears to have stuck with the principle of continuity that has served the club well in cup competitions.

According to Metro Sport, Arteta has decided against making a change between the posts. The report suggests the manager believes the former Chelsea goalkeeper has earned the right to start, having been instrumental in guiding Arsenal to their first major final appearance in several seasons.

Kepa’s composed and reliable displays throughout the tournament have not gone unnoticed. The 31-year-old has delivered when called upon, justifying Arteta’s faith in squad rotation and providing genuine competition for the goalkeeping position.

Reward for commitment

The decision underlines Arteta’s philosophy of rewarding performance and commitment throughout a campaign. Rather than defaulting to his Premier League starter for the biggest occasion, the Arsenal manager appears willing to trust the player who has earned his place through consistent displays in the competition.

For Kepa, starting the final represents a significant opportunity to cap his contributions with silverware. Despite being second choice in other competitions, the goalkeeper now has the platform to deliver on one of the biggest stages in English football.

Arsenal’s squad depth has been crucial to their success across multiple competitions this season. The decision to maintain faith in Kepa reinforces the value of having genuine competition for places and ensures every squad member understands their contributions matter.

The Carabao Cup final kicks off this afternoon at Wembley, with Arsenal seeking their first major trophy since the 2020 FA Cup. Kepa will be looking to justify Arteta’s selection with a performance that helps end the club’s wait for silverware.