Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed full confidence in goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, confirming that the Spanish shot-stopper is set to start in the FA Cup quarter-final against Southampton despite a recent high-profile mistake.
Kepa’s error in the League Cup final against Manchester City, which led to Arsenal conceding the opening goal in a 2-0 defeat, has not shaken Arteta’s trust. The 31-year-old, who has largely featured in cup competitions this season, is expected to return between the posts for the upcoming trip to St Mary’s Stadium, reports alldaysport.net
“He’s ready to play. I would never judge a player or make a decision against him just because he made a mistake. Attitude and behaviour, yes, 100 per cent, but mistakes are part of football and anyone can make them,” Arteta told ESPN.
Kepa, a former Chelsea goalkeeper, has played every minute of Arsenal’s FA Cup run so far this season, even though he has yet to appear in the Premier League. Arteta emphasized the goalkeeper’s experience and resilience, noting that support has already been provided by teammates and coaching staff.
“I don’t know if he needs support, but he has already received it, first from his teammates, then from me and the coaching staff, and I hope from the fans as well. I don’t think he needs it because he has a wealth of experience and has been through various situations in his career, so he is more than ready to play,” the Arsenal boss added.
Despite Arsenal missing out on the League Cup, they remain top of the Premier League table by nine points. The Gunners now focus on overcoming Championship side Southampton to secure a spot in the FA Cup semi-finals.
Reflecting on the defeat against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, Arteta said: “It’s like a ball of poison in your stomach, but you have to get it out as quickly as possible and use it to improve yourself and the team. That feeling won’t go away for the next 30 years, because when you have the chance to win a final at Wembley, you have to do it.”
He concluded: “That feeling must remain there to be part of who you will be in the weeks and years to come; learning from it and ensuring that fire remains burning at Wembley whilst remembering what happened. That has been our approach and the only work we have done recently: using it as fuel for the final push we want. I sensed that in the players immediately; This will make us better and we must capitalise on it in the most important and beautiful part of the season.”/ALLDAYSPORT/
