Mikel Arteta’s Kepa explanation as Gary Neville rubs salt in Arsenal star’s wounds

Gary Neville has sent a message to Arsenal star Kepa Arrizabalaga after the opening goal during the Carabao Cup final

Gary Neville has given his verdict on Kepa Arrizabalaga after Arsenal conceded to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final. The Gunners were facing City at Wembley Stadium in the showpiece fixture as they looked to get a major trophy under their belts.

However, Arsenal were handed a major blow to their hopes of winning the trophy after two quick goals from City in the second half.

After a goalless opening 45 minutes, City opened the scoring near the hour mark with a close-range finish from Nico O’Reilly.

The City defender capitalised on Kepa failing to catch the ball inside the six-yard box, which allowed O’Reilly to nod the ball past the Arsenal goalkeeper to open the scoring.

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Neville was on commentary for Sky Sports’ coverage of the final and gave his verdict on Kepa after the goal from O’Reilly.

“He (Kepa) has not helped himself,” Neville said.

“Not just with that, he was drawing Manchester City onto him, rolling his foot on the ball. It’s a really bad one from the goalkeeper.

“That will fire the debate up about Raya starting before the game but Kepa, it’s a real howler in a massive moment.

“But it was punch after punch after punch, and in the end he just steals in, Nico O’Reilly.”

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Kepa has been Arsenal’s preferred choice inn the Carabao Cup throughout the season and was given the start by Arteta on Sunday afternoon.

Neville’s verdict comes after Mikel Arteta explained why he chose to start Kepa in the final at Wembley ahead of first-choice shot-stopper David Raya.

“He fully deserves it,” Arteta explained before kick-off. “He’s been phenomenal when he’s played. He’s played the whole competition and we fully trust him.”

Arsenal went on to concede a second goal just a few minutes after the opener, with O’Reilly latching onto a cross from Matheus Nunes to head the ball past Kepa to put City 2-0 in front and in control of the final.

The quick brace from O’Reilly gave Arsenal an uphill task to get back into the Carabao Cup final, with Arteta making several substitutions following the two goals in an effort to change his team’s fortunes.