Arsenal Urged to Adopt 'Dirty' Tactics as Sagna Supports Arteta's Kepa Decision
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta received a rare show of support from former defender Bacary Sagna following the Gunners' 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final. Arteta's controversial choice to start goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga over first-choice David Raya has sparked debate, but Sagna insists the decision was not a mistake and highlights broader tactical failings.
Kepa's Costly Error and City's Dominance
In the final at Wembley Stadium, Kepa, who had featured in all of Arsenal's previous Carabao Cup matches this season, made a critical error in the 60th minute. A simple cross slipped through his hands, allowing Nico O'Reilly to head home from close range, giving City the lead. Just four minutes later, O'Reilly scored again with another powerful header, sealing a 2-0 victory for Pep Guardiola's side, who lifted the trophy for the fifth time in eight years.
Despite Arsenal's efforts to rally, City's defence held firm, leaving Arteta to face post-match criticism from pundits like Jamie Carragher and Jamie Redknapp, who questioned the goalkeeper selection.
Sagna's Defence and Tactical Analysis
Speaking to Covers, Sagna defended Arteta, stating, "Mikel Arteta did not make a mistake by starting Kepa in goal instead of David Raya. Kepa is a top goalkeeper, and while his mistake cost Arsenal a goal, it wasn't the only reason why the Gunners lost the game." He pointed to Arsenal's second-half performance, where they sat back and invited pressure from City.
Sagna argued that Arsenal need to "learn to play dirty" by adopting a more pragmatic approach. He explained, "They must learn to play dirty and send the ball long to relieve some pressure and position a higher block, rather than in their own box. Whenever they got the ball, they were adamant in playing from the back, and they were punished for it."
He also highlighted missed opportunities, noting that if Kai Havertz had scored an early chance, the result could have been different, praising City goalkeeper James Trafford for his saves.
Looking Ahead for Arsenal
Following the international break, Arsenal face an FA Cup quarter-final against Southampton, followed by a Champions League trip to Sporting CP and a Premier League home game against Bournemouth. These matches will test Arteta's ability to adjust tactics and bounce back from the cup final disappointment.
In summary, while Kepa's error was a factor, Sagna emphasises that Arsenal's loss stemmed from tactical naivety, urging the team to embrace a more robust and less aesthetically pleasing style of play to compete at the highest level.
