The Monday Night Club's Rory Smith and Chris Sutton debate whether Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta made the correct decision in starting Kepa Arrizabalaga over David Raya in the Carabao Cup final defeat by Manchester City.
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Image source, PA MediaFormer England captain Wayne Rooney, speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show about Arsenal's Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City: "They don't take many risks, do they? That's why they've been successful this season, in terms of the league position and in the Champions League.
"I really like how efficient they are, but when something like that happens in a cup final and you lose the game, you maybe regret some decisions or not being a bit more expansive.
"I think they haven't been great performance-wise over the past six weeks or two months, but they're winning games so I've given them big praise.
"I think they could have went for it a bit more, knowing that the league probably is in the bag anyway.
"But you've got to give Manchester City credit. City smothered them, they didn't let them out of their own half, especially in the second half, and Arsenal had no answers to how City played, both with the ball and without the ball."
Will the result affect the Premier League title race? "I don't think it will. Arsenal are in a very good position - as good a position as you can be in at this stage of the season.
"For City to catch them, I think they have to win every game and Arsenal [need to] drop six or seven points.
"It's a tough ask. You never know, but I just think Arsenal do need to dust themselves down and move on from this quickly, and I'm sure they will go back to winning games and see the title out."
Watch The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked if you think Arsenal's defeat in the Carabao Cup final could have an impact on their chances of winning the Premier League title.
Here are some of your comments:
Herbie: I believe the loss will affect the players' mentality, dampening the arguable momentum we had after a very positive game against Bayern Leverkusen. However, with the international break, I don't believe it'll be an issue because the players will have the time to reflect and improve, while staying fit and in form playing for their country.
Chris: Not particularly worried, international break now and also we don't play City every week so I don't think there's much riding on the defeat! Even if City win all their remaining games, that's not enough so long as we do the same.
Tony: The main worry is that the midfield and attack have lost form. They have been grinding out results and riding their luck. Too many players look sluggish and predictable in their decision-making. Unless players who can step up are introduced, it's all very likely to slip away from them.
Paul: No, I don't believe it will. There is an international break to recover in, then back to business. It was a huge disappointment, but Arsenal will still win the league.
Dave: Arsenal were beaten by a better side on the day. You learn more from a defeat and often come away better prepared next time. Journalists want a headline, like Arsenal have bottled it or they'll lose everything, but there is a different narrative which is of a team that reacts positively to defeat. That's what winners do.
Eliza: I think the boys will use this as fire in their bellies to go hunting for the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League. I see a lot of things that can be learned from and, no matter what, we made it to a cup final. I know most people will be negative but I see many positive takeaways.
Image source, PA MediaArsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres, speaking after Sunday's Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City: "Of course we don't feel great right now but it's not like we have another game in three days. It's a few weeks until the next one.
"For sure, we'll go again and be even more motivated for those games coming up.
"I think we started quite well. We created some OK chances in the beginning of the game and then it was maybe 10 minutes from the break when they got the momentum.
"They maybe didn't create so many dangerous chances, but they had the ball for a long time and it looked the same in the second half.
"Playing top teams can be like that. From the moment they scored, it was difficult to get back."
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Arsenal and Manchester City forward Paul Dickov feels there was "only one team who wanted to play football" in the Carabao Cup final.
Despite Arsenal leading the way in the Premier League and City's inconsistent form, it was the Manchester side who took charge in the final at Wembley to secure the first piece of silverware of the 2025-26 season.
"It felt like Manchester City put a marker down for Arsenal on Sunday," he told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast.
"You have to give Arsenal credit because they have been fantastic all season, but they have not been playing well over recent weeks but have still been finding a way to win.
"Sometimes when you come up against a team like Manchester City who can beat anybody on any given day, you need to go out there and try to win the game.
"It felt like in the second half they didn't want to try to win the game. There was only one team who wanted to play football, one team who wanted to attack and win the game and that was Manchester City."
Ex-Premier League striker Jay Bothroyd agreed, adding: "To me, it looked like Manchester City came out on the front-foot to win the game, whereas Arsenal it seemed like they went out there but were a bit cagey to begin with.
"Then they didn't know how to get out of that funk, whereas Manchester City just completely dominated in that second half.
"Mikel Arteta should have made substitutions at half-time. As much as I love Bukayo Saka, he was non-existent on Sunday. Yes, he was wearing the captain's armband, but if it is not working then you have to make those substitutions early. It felt like Arteta was reactive rather than proactive that is why I was disappointed with him."
Image source, PA MediaFormer Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast about Arsenal's Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City: "One mistake [by goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga] changes the game.
"These kinds of mistakes are so costly, especially against a team like Manchester City.
"They were unbeaten in 14 so it's about how they react to this loss. The nerves are clearly there because they've been that close [to winning the Premier League] in the past few years. If they just keep their cool in the next few weeks - how the club reacts is going to be so important.
"They've still got City away in April and that game is going to be huge for the title."
Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds
Image source, PA MediaCrystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix has received his first call-up to the France national team as a replacement for injured Arsenal defender William Saliba.
Saliba played in Sunday's Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City but has withdrawn from international duty because of an ankle problem.
Lacroix, 25, will join up with the France squad that play friendlies against Brazil and Colombia in the United States.
Manchester United are eyeing a surprise move for Arsenal left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly with the groundwork in place for a deal to sign the 19-year-old England international. (Teamtalk), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column
Phil McNulty
Chief football writer
Image source, Getty ImagesPep Guardiola was lost in the moment as he pumped his fists in delight towards Manchester City's jubilant supporters, the significance of the victory underlined by the crushing bearhugs he gave his players and backroom staff after the final whistle.
Arsenal, in contrast, were desolate as they missed the chance to win a first trophy since the FA Cup in 2020, the result of a timid performance lacking in attacking ambition until it was too late.
City and Guardiola's mission was not simply to win the Carabao Cup. It was to put on the sort of dominant performance that might sow seeds of doubt in Arsenal's minds as they hold a nine-point lead in the Premier League title race.
It was the ideal stage for both sides to make a statement. Manchester City made theirs. Arsenal fluffed every line.
Whether this result has wider ramifications remains to be seen.
Will it fuel City for a late rally in the league? Will the disappointment of this defeat derail Arsenal?
City must hope it has inflicted psychological damage on their rivals. The Gunners must regroup and show the reserves of strength that have sustained their season.
So, are you concerned this loss have an impact on the Premier League campaign? Is there a danger the disappointment could derail the campaign, or can Arsenal keep all competitions separate in their minds?
Get in touch with your views here
Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter
For Mikel Arteta, it did not enter his mind to not play Kepa Arrizabalaga on Sunday.
The Arsenal manager said it would have been "very unfair" if he had not stuck with the Spain international, who had played every round of the cup competition before the final, and said he accepts the scrutiny coming his way.
"I understand that, but I have to do what I feel is right, honest and fair," said Arteta.
"And I think we have an understanding keeper in Kepa - he's played all the competition and I think it would have been very, very unfair for him and for the team to do something different."
The former Chelsea goalkeeper signed for the Gunners in the summer to compete with first-choice David Raya.
Raya has 15 clean sheets in the Premier League, the most in the division, and has produced some standout saves during this campaign as Arsenal look to end their wait for a trophy.
And Arteta said that, despite Kepa's limited game time this season, he did not guarantee that the goalkeeper would play in Arsenal's cup fixtures.
"I can never promise a player to play certain competitions, because at the end they have to earn it and they have to do enough, like any other position," he said.
"We are guided by what we've seen and what he's done in the competition, and he helped us to go all the way through here.
"I believe it's the right thing to do and that's it. Errors are part of football and today it happened unfortunately in a crucial moment."
The EFL Cup brings bad memories for Kepa, who has now lost all three of the finals he has played in the competition.
When playing for Chelsea in 2019, he refused to be substituted with the game heading to penalties, and in 2022, he put his penalty over the crossbar as the Blues lost to Liverpool in the shootout - and his error in this year's final handed the lead to Manchester City.
"I would never have started Kepa today," European football expert Julien Laurens told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"In a final like this, at this moment in the Arsenal project, there is no moment for sentiment. Your best team has to play. Kepa instead of David Raya was the wrong call.
"I know it is harsh but I think Arteta and his players will learn a lot from today because those finals are won on decisions made, not just on the pitch but at half-time."
Kepa was booked before conceding the opener, when he misjudged a clearance and pulled back winger Jeremy Doku as he looked to score.
"Mikel Arteta did not have to play him," former England and Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart told BBC Sport.
"That's a decision made by a manager who's potentially going to win quite a lot this season. So he's played Kepa because he believes he's ready.
"But I'll always say it, don't ever feel sorry for a goalkeeper. That's the life that he's chosen.
"And again, most of the game he was faultless. But in that big moment obviously he'll have something to reflect on."
Read more on the 'sentimental' goalkeeping call that cost Arsenal here
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your thoughts after Sunday's EFL Cup final between Arsenal and Manchester City
Here are some of your comments:
Arsenal fans
Graham: Typical Mikel Arteta - conservative safe football. Too slow to make changes, especially when it was obvious City were threatening second half. Why wait until there's 20 minutes left and 2-0 down to make subs? Too many players below par and not one Arsenal player should take their wages - pathetic display. Massive week in April and if we fail to respond against Southampton and Sporting then Arteta needs to ask if he's the man for the job. He's had the money to buy but is he the innovator to inspire us to glory?
Jeff: Arteta's stupidity cost Arsenal the game. It's a final, play your best team - end of story. The instructions he gave at half-time simply had no effect. Arsenal edged the first half, could have been in front but were simply blown away by a team that wanted to win in the second half. Can they recover and finally win something this year? I hope so, but fear for the future with Arteta in charge.
Dyfi: We got what we deserved. It was the wrong team selection - when you get to any final you put out your best team and make a proper game of it. Poor tactics. To be honest, we've only just managed to beat poorer opposition since Christmas. Manchester City were too strong and too organised. There is still a gulf between them and us when it comes to the crunch. We could have played all day and not had a shot.
JJ: Rubbish! Arteta's decision-making and tactics were dire. This is the worst Arsenal have been all season.
Les: Arteta has to be responsible for this result. Having picked his team and watched the first half, it was very clear where the changes had to be made, but he waited too long. Sorry to say it, but Bukayo Saka is not the attacking player he was, or the right player to be captain.
Man City fans
Malc: Great win and a great attacking team picked. Let's see where this leads in the league. Arsenal were poor, they hardly played, although their set-pieces took up a lot of the time!
Youssef: Really chuffed with the lads. It all started with James Trafford's triple save - then, in the second half, we were dominating. Everyone shone, especially our boy Nico O'Reilly. Absolutely buzzing. For Arsenal, bottle one out of four.
Andy: Magnificent second-half performance from the Blues. We were worthy winners. Let's hope we get back on track in the league. Come on, City!
Ian: A totally dominant second-half performance. City were outstanding!
Karl: Arsenal were the better team for 20 minutes. But we dominated, especially in the second half. We won a battle, they might win the war, but looking forward to next season as it's all coming together!
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "Painful, especially for our player and supporters because we really wanted to lift that trophy today.
"It was two very different halves, especially the first half when I think we were better than them and had the best two chances of the game. We didn't capitalise on that. Credit to them for what we have done. A really sad day."
On if he regrets starting Kepa: "I made a decision before the game based on what he has done all season, the fact he has played in the competition and helped us be where we are today. It would have been very unfair to choose a different one."
On Arsenal's unbeaten run ending and the task to go on another winning run: "We had eight amazing months with this team. Today is a disappointment. We need to use that fire in the belly for the next two months to have an incredible season."
Phil McNulty
Chief football writer
Image source, Getty ImagesArsenal manager Mikel Arteta resisted the temptation to field his strongest side by selecting Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal ahead of David Raya.
It proved to be an ill-fated decision, with the keeper a central figure as Arsenal's hopes of winning that first trophy since 2020 were placed on hold.
He had already been shown a yellow card for an injudicious dash from goal that resulted in a foul on Jeremy Doku, but worse was to follow in the moment this EFL Cup final got away from Arsenal.
Rayan Cherki's cross should have been dealt with easily, but it slipped through the keeper's grasp, allowing Nico O'Reilly to get in ahead of Martin Zubimendi to score.
There was no way back for Arsenal once O'Reilly added his second, and the Gunners can have no complaints.
Arsenal played within themselves, showing a lack of attacking ambition until the closing stages when the game was lost.
Arteta's side are still in a superb position to win silverware, with a commanding lead in the Premier League and with the Champions League and FA Cup still in their sights - but there was no consolation here as they turned in a disappointing display.
Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.
What did you make of Arsenal's display?
Come back later on Sunday for a selection of your replies
The big news for Arsenal is that Eberechi Eze has not recovered from the knock that saw him substituted during the Gunners win over Bayer Leverkusen in midweek.
Kai Havertz starts in his place while cup goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga starts in goal with David Raya on the bench.
Arsenal XI: Arrizabalaga, White, Saliba, Gabriel,Hincapie, Rice, Zubimendi, Havertz, Saka, Trossard, Gyokeres.
Subs: Raya, Mosquera, Jesus, Martinelli, Norgaard, Madueke, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly, Dowman
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola makes four changes to the side that exited the Champions League in meeting at the hands of Real Madrid.
The one major surprise sees defender Ruben Dias not involved at all, with Nathan Ake coming into the backline.
James Trafford starts in goal ahead of Gianluigi Donnarumma, while Nico O'Reilly and Antoine Semenyo also come in.
Rayan Ait-Nouri and Tijjani Reijnders are the others to drop out, while Marc Guehi is cup-tied.
Man City XI: Trafford, Nunes, Khusanov, Ake, O'Reilly, Rodri, Silva, Semenyo, Cherki, Doku, Haaland.
Subs: Donnarumma, Ait-Nouri, Foden, Gonzalez, Kovacic, Marmoush, Savinho, Reijnders, Stones
I don't think this game has any bearing on the Premier League title race.
The narrative that has been doing the rounds for a long time is that whoever wins this game wins the title, but that is not the case now - City are not catching Arsenal, whatever happens at Wembley.
City are out of the Champions League now but I have got to say I thought they were brilliant on Tuesday against Real Madrid, before and after they went down to 10 men.
They went for it and they were not just brave, they created plenty of chances.
With the nature of the Premier League this season, I think this will be a very different game, however.
I fear this will be a really ugly and dull encounter, where both teams avoid taking risks.
Sutton's prediction: 0-0 after extra time, City to win on penalties
