Darren Bent urges Arteta to bench Kepa for Arsenal's title run
Former England striker Darren Bent has strongly advised Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to drop goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga for the rest of the season, insisting David Raya must start every match. Bent also labeled forward Gabriel Jesus as a 'passenger' following Arsenal's 2-1 FA Cup loss to Southampton last Saturday.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Bent criticized several players' nerves in that defeat, particularly highlighting Gabriel Magalhaes' anxiety without partner William Saliba. On Jesus, Bent stated: 'I am uncertain why we continue to persist; it has not been effective for approximately three years.' He did praise young midfielder Max Dowman's potential.
Arsenal remains in a strong position despite the cup exit, holding a nine-point lead over Manchester City in the Premier League. They also secured a 1-0 away win against Sporting CP in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday. The Gunners next host Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday at 12:30pm.
With both the Premier League title and Champions League still achievable, Bent believes Arteta must field his most reliable players for the decisive fixtures ahead.
Given Arsenal's double trophy chase and Bent's criticism, should Arteta make bold lineup changes now—dropping Kepa and Jesus for the final stretch—or maintain continuity despite the recent FA Cup setback?