David Raya admitted there was little he could do but accept Mikel Arteta’s controversial decision to leave his first choice goalkeeper out of his starting line-up for the Carabao Cup final defeat against Manchester City.

The Spain international has been one of Arsenal’s standout performers throughout the course a season which could yet end in Premier League and Champions League glory, despite two recent setbacks.

A comprehensive Wembley defeat against City saw hopes of a quadruple go up in some and that damaging loss was compounded by a shock FA Cup reversal at Southampton last weekend.

On both occasions Arteta opted to select his cup keeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and leave Raya on the bench.

The summer signing from Chelsea committed a ghastly error to gift City the lead in the League Cup final and although he was powerless to prevent with of the Saints’ goals at St Mary’s,Arsenal’s normally dependable back four looked jittery without Raya’s calming presence behind them.

Raya will return to the starting XI this evening as Arsenal attempt to get their campaign back on track against Sporting Lisbon and the former Brentford star was in philosophical mood after being forced to watch the...