The controversial reason Jens Lehmann actually praised Kepa’s mistake vs. City

Arsenal legend Jens Lehmann has defended Mikel Arteta’s decision to start Kepa Arrizabalaga in the EFL Cup final defeat to Manchester City.

Arsenal were beaten at Wembley after conceding in the match following a costly error from the Spanish goalkeeper.

Kepa spilled a cross from Rayan Cherki, allowing Nico O’Reilly to score the opening goal for Manchester City.

The moment proved decisive in a tightly contested final.

However, former Arsenal goalkeeper Lehmann believes Arteta was right to trust his cup goalkeeper.

“Kepa brought them to the final, he is a good keeper,” Lehmann said.

The German insisted the mistake should not overshadow Kepa’s contribution during Arsenal’s run to Wembley.

“He made one mistake which speaks for him because he tried to catch the ball, which is something I like,” Lehmann explained. “Apart from that he had a good game.”

Lehmann acknowledged the error was unfortunate but stressed that such moments are part of the game.

“He made one mistake, it happens,” he said. “Arsenal did not score which was the disappointment.”

The error came during a controversial spell in the second half.

Minutes earlier Kepa had raced out of his area attempting to intercept a long pass aimed at Jeremy Doku.

The Arsenal goalkeeper failed to make contact with the ball and brought down the Manchester City winger.

The referee judged the incident did not deny a clear goalscoring opportunity and issued only a yellow card.

Despite the difficult moments, Lehmann believes Arsenal should continue trusting Kepa in domestic cup competitions.

The former Germany international argued that maintaining confidence in the goalkeeper is important for squad balance.

“Why not stick with him?” Lehmann said. “Kepa is a good keeper and he is up for the cup games.”

“You should give him playing time because something could happen to David Raya and then you need a good backup who is confident.”

Arteta could face a similar decision when Arsenal return to cup action in the FA Cup.

The Gunners are scheduled to face Southampton in the quarter-finals next month.

Lehmann also emphasised the importance of Raya during the final stretch of the campaign.

The Spaniard has been Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper throughout the Premier League and Champions League campaign.

Lehmann hopes both goalkeepers will play an important role as Arsenal chase major honours.

“I hope he has a fantastic end to the season because Arsenal should win something this year,” he said. “Hopefully all three titles that are up for grabs.”

With Arsenal still competing in multiple competitions, the club will need strong performances across the squad as they pursue silverware during the decisive final months of the season.

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