What opposition players did to Kepa after Arsenal final loss | OneFootball

There was a notable moment of sportsmanship involving Kepa Arrizabalaga after Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final, with players from both sides offering support following the final whistle at Wembley.

The Spanish goalkeeper endured a difficult afternoon, with his costly error leading to City’s opening goal before Pep Guardiola’s side went on to secure victory with a dominant second-half display.

What happened to Kepa after the final whistle

According to BBC Sport reporter Alex Howell at Wembley, the immediate reaction from fellow goalkeepers highlighted the respect within the position.

“The goalkeepers union really is a thing.

All of the goalkeepers on the pitch from both Manchester City and Arsenal have consoled Kepa Arrizabalaga and had some words for him.”

It was a small but telling moment after a high-pressure final, with the 31-year-old clearly affected following a mistake that ultimately shifted the momentum of the contest in City’s favour.

Kepa error proved decisive in Arsenal defeat

The Arsenal stopper had been trusted to start in the competition ahead of first-choice David Raya, despite some uncertainty from Mikel Arteta earlier in the week when discussing his selection, and that decision unfortunately backfired in the second half.

Kepa’s dropped cross allowed Nico O’Reilly to head City in front, and the same player doubled the lead just minutes later, leaving Arsenal chasing the game with little response.

That contrasted sharply with Manchester City’s own goalkeeping display, with James Trafford producing a crucial triple save in the first half to keep his side level before the breakthrough arrived.

Declan Rice was among those criticised after the match for failing to influence proceedings in midfield, but it was the decisive moment involving the Spain international that proved the turning point in a final where fine margins were always likely to be decisive.

Despite the disappointment, the reaction from both teams’ goalkeepers ensured Kepa was not left to dwell on the error alone, underlining the unique bond that exists within the position even on football’s biggest stages.