Former England striker Michael Owen has weighed in on Arsenal’s disappointing defeat, placing the blame firmly on the decision to start Kepa Arrizabalaga ahead of David Raya in goal.
The controversial selection call has sparked widespread debate, but Owen was unequivocal in his assessment, insisting it was the defining factor that cost Arsenal the match.
Speaking after the game, Owen expressed surprise at Mikel Arteta’s decision to bench Raya, who has been widely regarded as Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper in recent months. According to Owen, such a change in a key position disrupted the team’s defensive structure and ultimately opened the door for costly mistakes.
Owen pointed out that goalkeeping is one of the few positions on the pitch where consistency is absolutely critical. While rotation may work in midfield or attack, constantly changing the goalkeeper can create uncertainty among defenders. In his view, Raya’s understanding with the backline, his command of the penalty area, and his distribution from the back have all been central to Arsenal’s style of play. Removing him from the lineup, even for one game, was a risk that did not pay off.
Kepa, on the other hand, found himself under intense scrutiny following the defeat. Owen did not question his overall ability but suggested that he lacked the sharpness and chemistry required for such a high-pressure fixture. He highlighted moments during the match where Kepa appeared hesitant in dealing with crosses and slower to react in one-on-one situations—areas where Raya has typically excelled. For Owen, these small differences added up and had a decisive impact on the result.
The former striker also touched on the psychological aspect of the decision. He argued that dropping a goalkeeper who has been performing well can send mixed signals to both the player and the rest of the squad. Confidence, particularly for a goalkeeper, is vital, and disrupting that rhythm can have unintended consequences. Owen suggested that Raya’s absence may have unsettled the defense, leading to a lack of cohesion that the opposition was quick to exploit.
Owen’s comments have resonated with many fans and analysts, who have questioned whether Arteta overcomplicated his approach. Arsenal have built their recent success on stability, discipline, and a clear tactical identity. Deviating from that formula in a crucial match, especially in such a sensitive position, has been widely criticized.
At the same time, Owen acknowledged that Arteta has earned a degree of trust through his work at the club. The Spanish manager has overseen a significant transformation, turning Arsenal into serious contenders once again. However, Owen emphasized that even top managers can make mistakes, and this, in his opinion, was one of them.
The debate now turns to what happens next. Owen believes that Arteta must quickly restore clarity to the goalkeeping situation by reaffirming Raya as the undisputed number one. Prolonging uncertainty, he warned, could have further negative effects on the team’s performances. With important fixtures ahead, Arsenal cannot afford lingering doubts in such a crucial area of the pitch.
For Arsenal supporters, the defeat is a frustrating setback, particularly given the context of their season. Matches like this are often decided by fine margins, and as Owen pointed out, decisions off the pitch can be just as important as those made on it. In this case, he believes the selection of Kepa over Raya tipped the balance in the wrong direction.
Ultimately, Owen’s verdict is clear: the goalkeeper decision was not just a minor tactical tweak, but a pivotal error that shaped the outcome of the match. Whether Arteta agrees with that assessment or not, the scrutiny surrounding his decision will likely persist, especially if similar choices are made in the future.
As Arsenal look to bounce back, the focus will be on regaining stability and confidence. For Owen and many others, that starts with making the right call between the posts—a lesson they believe was learned the hard way in this costly defeat.