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Mikel Arteta has leaped to the defence of young goalkeeper Karl Hein after his horror show against Brighton on Wednesday.
THE LOWDOWN: CUP DEFEAT
Arsenal were knocked out by Brighton in the Carabao Cup match played at the Emirates on Wednesday night. Youngster Karl Hein was among the ten changes made by Mikel Arteta from the Gunners’ last game. He was handed his debut ahead of second-choice goalie Matt Turner who was left on the bench.
Hein did not cover himself in glory as his error led to Brighton’s goal. The Estonian slipped while trying to collect the ball, subsequently fouling Welbeck and giving away a penalty, which the former Arsenal man converted.
Brighton’s second goal was not his fault but once again, he ought to have done better with the third.
THE LATEST: MANAGER’S DEFENSE
In his post-match press conference, Mikel Arteta was asked about his decision to pick the inexperienced Estonian, but the gaffer was adamant he made the right decision.
Arteta said: “I think he [Hein] deserves the chance. He’s the first goalie of the national team and at his age that’s not usual.
‘If I have to play him tomorrow again I would. Errors are part of football.”
It was a deeply disappointing night for Arsenal in the end, as they lost for just the third time this season across all competitions.
‘The view is that the result doesn’t reflect what happened on the pitch I think it’s clear,’ Arteta added.
“In moments where we clearly on top of the game we didn’t take our opportunities. There was a big difference between efficiency in both areas and we paid a big price for it.
‘It’s a shame for the boys because I think they really tried and we should have scored two or three in the second half. I would select the same players if I had the opportunity again.”
THE VERDICT: AS EXPECTED
Mikel Arteta did the right thing by leaping into Hein’s defence. The youngster will learn from this experience going forward ahead of further opportunities that might come his way.
