Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has explained why he has dropped Aaron Ramsdale in favour of David Raya. The Spanish manager made a change in goal for the Premier League match away to Everton on Sunday.
Ramsdale had started the last 52 games for Arsenal in the English top flight. But he was surprisingly named among the substitutes at Goodison Park.
Raya will make his debut after joining on loan from Brentford in August. The Gunners paid the Bees a £3million loan fee and have the option to buy the 28-year-old for a further £27m at the end of the season.
His arrival was questioned by many pundits and ex-players, who raised doubts over having two goalkeepers who view themselves as No 1s. Raya has been Brentford’s No 1 since joining from Blackburn in 2019 and is also a full Spain international.
Read more… Mauricio Pochettino patience tested as Chelsea’s £160m trio blank vs Bournemouth
Raya only joined Arsenal following the opening-day win over Nottingham Forest. Arteta had resisted giving him an opportunity for the three games that followed but has now bit the bullet and picked him instead of Ramsdale.
Explaining his decision, Arteta said he was keen to give Raya minutes ahead of a busy period. He told Sky Sports: “I think I mentioned that we wanted to build a squad with two players with quality in each position, with different characteristics.
“We’ve got that now and to maximise that they have to play games. We have a lot of games coming up and it’s the same with other players that we have rotated, and we will give a lot of game time in the next few games.”
The news will come as a blow to Ramsdale who started for England in their friendly win over Scotland on Tuesday. He only kept one clean sheet in the first four league games of the season but has not made any high-profile mistakes.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Don’t miss…
Mason Greenwood blasted with ‘die’ chants as Man Utd loanee makes Getafe debut[REACTION]
Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag accused of having a ‘wind up’ for excuses after loss[QUOTES]
Lionel Messi set to miss Inter Miami game after making view clear on MLS choice[SOCIAL]
Ramsdale himself displaced Bernd Leno as the Arsenal No 1 shortly after he joined the club in 2021. Arteta signed the goalkeeper from Sheffield United for a fee that could rise to £30m.
Leno played the first three matches of the 2021/22 season before the international break. However, he returned to discover that Ramsdale was being picked ahead of him for the next match against Norwich.
Ramsdale didn’t look back, starting 34 of the 35 remaining league games that campaign. He will be hoping history does not repeat itself with him on the end of Arteta’s axe.
Ramsdale only signed a new contract at Arsenal earlier this year. The new deal is set to keep him at the Emirates until 2026, with the option of a further year.
Source: Read Full Article
