Mikel Arteta warned against playing ‘world class’ Arsenal star vs Man City | Football

Paul Merson has urged Mikel Arteta to stick with the players that have dragged Arsenal to the Carabao Cup final even if it means leaving one of his ‘world class’ stars on the bench.

The Gunners are primed for their first Wembley showpiece in front of their fans since 2017 and hope to complete the first leg of a potential quadruple.

Second choice goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has played every game en route to the final and was the hero in the penalty shootout win over Crystal Palace in the quarter finals.

The experienced Spain international joined the north London club from Chelsea in the summer but has been forced to play the role of understudy to his compatriot David Raya who has enjoyed another stellar campaign.

Arteta is now faced with a major conundrum ahead of Sunday’s opportunity to end a six-year trophy drought but Merson believes Kepa has earned the right to play and should be trusted to earn a shot at League Cup redemption following several heartbreaking experiences with Chelsea earlier in his career.

‘Arsenal have that swagger about them,’ Merson, who was man of the match in the final against Sheffield Wednesday back in 1993, the last time Arsenal won this competition, told Sportskeeda.

‘They know they are good. Eberechi Eze likes playing at Wembley too. He scored in the final and lifted the FA Cup with Crystal Palace at Wembley last season. I think he keeps his place in the starting line-up for this game.

‘I have a feeling Mikel Arteta will go with Leandro Trossard, Bukayo Saka and Viktor Gyokeres to form the attacking quartet for Arsenal with Eze. Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi will sit behind them in midfield.

‘The big decision that Arsenal need to make is whether they go with Kepa Arrizabalaga or David Raya in goal.

‘Kepa has been first-choice in the Carabao Cup and I think they should stick with him. It’s only fair because he played well and got you to this stage.

Declan Rice and Thierry Henry praise David Raya

Declan Rice: He deserves every bit of credit he’s getting. I wish people could come in every day and see how he trains. Because the intensity he trains at and the level that he trains at there’s no reason why he’s not doing what he’s doing on the pitch it’s incredible to see him every day. The effort he makes with the lads, he’s turned into a real leader for us and when you’ve got a keeper like that it gives everyone confidence and yes, he’s incredible.’

Thierry Henry:  ‘This guy should be in contention to be player of the season because of what he does for Arsenal every single time. It’s very difficult sometimes to see what a goalkeeper does because he cannot always make you win the game. He can make you hope that you’re not losing it by making saves, but he does that two to three times every single game. It’s just outstanding.’

‘But I must admit, Raya is world-class! The saves he made against Everton and Leverkusen, absolutely phenomenal.

‘However, if I were the manager, I would still stick to my principles and choose Kepa as the keeper for the final.

‘He’s not let the team down in this competition and deserves to start.’

Arsenal hold a measure of momentum heading into Sunday’s showdown and haven’t been beaten by their opponents in nearly three years.

Merson admits the contest is almost too tight to call but has backed his old side to come out on top and keep alive hopes of an unprecedented clean sweep of the major honours.

He added: ‘The Premier League leaders will want this to be a dull game because it suits them. If it becomes end to end, City have a chance in my opinion.

‘If I had to pick a team, I would go Arsenal. However, that doesn’t mean it will be easy. We know Manchester City can play and if they get going, they can hurt any team.

‘I believe the quadruple dream is still very much on if the Gunners win this final. The Premier League is done and dusted, they have a good draw in the FA Cup and face Sporting in the Champions League quarter-final.

‘I know they could face Barcelona or Atletico in the semi-final, but we all know how difficult they are to beat as a unit. So I’m not giving up hopes!’