Handbrake Off: The Athletic FC's Arsenal show The curse of the League Cup continues
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Mar 23, 2026 They unpack Arsenal’s defeat in the Carabao Cup final and the narrative of the League Cup jinx. Selection choices and the Kepa versus Raya decision get a heated debate. Tactical breakdowns show why City dominated the second half. Injuries, Saka’s dip in form and how the squad can use the international break for a reset are all discussed.
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Cluster Injuries Caused Domino Tactical Problems
- Injuries to key players (Ezk, Timber, Ødegaard) created a domino effect that weakened Arsenal's structure and selection choices.
- Amy argued those absences influenced starting Havertz and Kepa, reducing cohesion and technical comfort from the back.
Pick Goalkeeper For Tactical Fit Not Sentiment
- Avoid sentimental selections in decisive finals without clear tactical fit.
- Amy suggested Kepa's selection changed how City prepared and executed because he is less comfortable with feet-based build-up than David Raya.
Kepa Was One Factor In A Collective Collapse
- While Kepa contributed to the first goal, the defeat reflected wider technical and mental lapses across the team.
- Adrian and Amy stressed poor passing, sluggish movement and weak off-ball awareness meant Raya wouldn't have guaranteed a different result.