This is a problem that Mikel Arteta was bound to face. By bringing in David Raya (28 years old) this summer, on loan (paid) from Brentford, the Spanish coach certainly increased the competition for the position, but above all he had to bring two number ones together. Aaron Ramsdale had reason to worry, especially since he made a few mistakes at the end of last season, including one against Southampton, who almost definitively gave Manchester City the title. If he started the season well as a starter, he has started two matches on the bench, giving way to his Spanish rival.
“David Raya will bring better qualities to our playing model, it’s very simpleassured Arteta to justify the arrival of Raya. We want two players per position who can do that. It can happen to our goalkeeper, it even happened to Thibaut Courtois. We have to prepare because the question will not be why we have two goalkeepers of this stature but if Aaron gets injured at the Crusaders, what do we do? We change everything. So we have to be prepared, we have to be proactive and we have two excellent goalkeepers now. » Except that this choice does not of course only make people happy.
Arteta must manage the cohabitation of his two goalkeepers
Sent to the bench against Everton last weekend, then against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League in midweek, Aaron Ramsdale did not seem very happy. The English press did not fail to make Arteta react on this subject before the derby against Tottenham on Sunday (3 p.m.). “I understand, it’s very difficult. I suffer and care about every player who doesn’t play. But it’s competition and it’s my job to make decisions in the best possible way for the team. “That’s what I expect from every player, because when you’re on the pitch, there’s someone else who’s not there.”evacuates the coach.
Arteta even admitted his desire to change goalkeeper during the last few matches without having taken the plunge. Excellent since his arrival at the Gunners two years ago despite some small slumps, the 25-year-old Englishman must now work extra hard to regain his starting place. Very appreciated by the locker room and the supporters, he can at least count on support. For the rest, and while Arteta assures that he has not yet chosen his goalkeeper for the North London Derby, he will be expected around the corner. Especially since David Raya does not intend to lose his place in turn.
Raya intends to keep her job
“It’s his choice (to Arteta, editor’s note), it’s not my choice”decided the former Brentford player on Wednesday evening after his first C1 match, as if to better close the debate. “If Aaron (Ramsdale) comes back he will have to fight for the team and win games. I think this is the first time that two of the best goalkeepers are on the same team. It’s part of football now. I played the last two games and I don’t know what will happen on Sunday.” Going number one for the moment, Raya is the favorite to face Spurs this Sunday, much to the chagrin of Ramsdale. It’s also a little time bomb for Arteta…
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