Arsenal player ratings vs Man City as Kepa has Wembley nightmare and four 5/10s struggle

How football.london rated the Arsenal player performances after the Carabao Cup final defeat by Manchester City

Arsenal were beaten in the Carabao Cup final after an impressive Manchester City took advantage of a mistake when it mattered.

It was a cagey first half with very few chances for either side. Kai Havertz had the best chance of the opening stages, a great pass from Martin Zubimendi splitting the City back line.

Kepa Arrizabalaga, picked to start over David Raya, nearly came unstuck and was booked after fouling Jeremy Doku outside the box. This would be the precursor for the Nico O’Reilly goal after the Spaniard failed to catch the cross leading to the opener.

The City youngster soon had his second in a similar fashion after Nunes was allowed a chance to cross, and O’Reilly headed in. Despite changes from Arteta, the Gunners couldn’t find a way back into the game.

Here is how football.london rated the performances of the Arsenal players involved:

Kepa Arrizabalaga – Very fortunate after he was caught out with a long ball and Jeremy Doku appeared to get the better of him, pulled back, the argument for a red card was waved away. Then the nightmare moment, failing to catch the cross, which then fell to the head of O’Reilly. 3

Ben White – Was given a very tough task up against Jeremy Doku, arguably the best dribbler in the Premier League, after Jurrien Timber couldn’t make the squad. In the end, the Gunners certainly missed the Dutchman. 6

William Saliba – When Haaland looked through and clear, the Frenchman stayed composed, putting in his foot at the right time to break up the attack. Could do little about the goal. 7

Gabriel – After initially giving away the ball in his own half, the Brazilian recovered to put in a big tackle on Semenyo. A game which bypassed the Brazilian due to some defensive errors. 7

Piero Hincapie – Earned an early booking after a late challenge on Matheus Nunes. Looked rather shaky in moments and left Nunes far too much space for the second City goal. 5

Martin Zubimendi – The Man City plan was to push Haaland and Cherki into the Spaniard’s space when Kepa had the ball, cutting off the route into the midfield. The Spaniard found the pass through to Havertz for the best early chance. 6

Declan Rice – City’s press on Zubimendi meant that Rice, too, found it difficult to pick up the ball in the areas he would like. A good delivery for the Calafiori headed chance. 6

Kai Havertz – Had a great chance in the opening exchanges, played in behind, tried to finesse around Trafford, but the England keeper got big and blocked. Otherwise felt locked out the game too. 5

Bukayo Saka – Loses his man for the second City goal giving O’Reilly a free run to head the ball. Moved into the middle of the field, but sadly struggled to get into the game. 5

Viktor Gyokeres – Was constantly looking for the knock-ons and through balls in behind, and was finding the speed of the City defence tricky to deal with. After starting bright, the Swede became more isolated as the game went on. 6

Leandro Trossard – Couldn’t find his way into the game and struck an isolated figure at times down the left wing for the Gunners. 5

Substitutes:

Noni Madueke – Came on to bring some energy to the right and looked more lively but ultimately proved quite ineffective.

Riccardo Calafiori – Had a great headed chance from a Rice delivery but sadly it went straight into the arms of Trafford. Had another effort of his own on the volley, flashing just wide of the post.

Gabriel Jesus – Came on, lost the ball a couple of times before the game finished. 3

Gabriel Martinelli – Didn’t offer much after coming on. 4

Cristhian Mosquera – The Spaniard had to replace Ben White who was on a booking. n/a