Former Premier League striker Darren Bent has delivered a blunt message to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta: stop playing Kepa Arrizabalaga for the rest of the season.
Darren Bent Tells Arteta: Drop Kepa for Good and Play Raya Every Minute
Bent insists that David Raya must start every single match from now until the campaign ends, regardless of the opponent or competition.
Arsenal remain in contention for both the Premier League and Champions League titles. Arteta’s side hold a nine-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.
They also secured a 1-0 first-leg victory against Sporting CP in their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday night.
However, the Gunners suffered a disappointing 2-1 FA Cup defeat at Southampton last weekend. That performance clearly frustrated Bent.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Bent described the Southampton display as “worrying.” He criticised Gabriel Jesus, calling the Brazilian forward “a passenger” during the match.
Bent also noted that defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães looked nervous without William Saliba alongside them. Only young Max Dowman impressed the former striker.
Bent made his position on the goalkeeping situation absolutely clear.
“Stop playing Kepa,” Bent said.
“I know it’s not necessarily his fault, but I don’t want to see Kepa again this season.
As a back-up, perfect. David Raya, between now and the end of the season, has to play every single minute.”
He added that even if Arsenal destroy Sporting in the second leg next week, Raya must remain in goal. Bent believes Arteta has been too loyal to players who keep letting him down.
“These players are letting him down,” Bent warned.
“They keep being given opportunities and they’re not taking them.”
Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday when they host Bournemouth at 12:30pm. Bent expects to see Raya between the posts for that match and every game that follows.
