David Raya Reveals Crucial Advice for Aaron Ramsdale in Arsenal Goalkeeping Battle

David Raya emphasizes that if Aaron Ramsdale makes a comeback to the Arsenal side, he must demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting the team, having overtaken his rival for the No 1 position.

Ramsdale's uninterrupted streak of starting every Premier League match since March 2022 was unexpectedly halted on Sunday, as Raya took his place for Arsenal's 1-0 victory against Everton.

Raya, who was signed on loan from Brentford this summer, retained his place for Arsenal's first Champions League game since 2017 as the Gunners thrashed PSV 4-0 on Wednesday.

Arsenal

Tottenham Hotspur

Sunday 24th September 1:00pm

Kick off 2:00pm

Asked about Mikel Arteta's decision to promote him to the starting XI, Raya said: "That's his choice, it's not my choice.

"If Aaron comes back in he needs to fight for the team and to win games.

"I think it's the first time that two top goalies are on the same team. That's just part of football now.

"We are required to ensure that there are two exceptional players available for every position, as requested by the gaffer."

Raya mentioned that he has received no assurances regarding his inclusion in Arsenal's forthcoming match against Tottenham in the highly anticipated north London derby, scheduled to be broadcast live on Sunday."

"I played the last two games and I don't know what's going to happen on Sunday," he said.

Arsenal Tottenham Hotspur

Arteta explained his decision to drop Ramsdale after the victory at Everton, emphasizing that he treats the goalkeeping position on par with any other position. He even mentioned that he has contemplated substituting goalkeepers during games.

He added, "I make decisions based on the same rationale as to why Fabio (Vieira) and Gabby [Jesus] played. Surprisingly, no one has questioned why Gabriel hasn't been starting. He is a winner with a remarkable trophy collection, surpassing even my own accomplishments in that dressing room."

"I expect Aaron to mirror the reactions of Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Takehiro Tomiyasu precisely. And I mean identical. We play as a team of 11, not 10 plus one.

As a fairly young manager, with only three and a half years of experience, I have few regrets. However, one particular regret stands out - on two separate occasions during this period, I had the inclination to substitute the goalkeeper after 60 minutes and 85 minutes of those games."

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Aaron Ramsdale has been displaced by David Raya. I lacked the confidence and courage to execute it. However, I am capable of substituting a winger or striker and deploying a centre-back to adopt a defensive formation, aiming to retain a lead. Despite achieving draws in those matches, my overall dissatisfaction persists.

"Someone may take on this task, which may seem unusual. However, why should it not be done? I ask you, why shouldn't it be done? You possess all the necessary attributes of a capable goalkeeper to make a difference. You have the desire to shift the current momentum. Go ahead, take action.

"It is a source of disappointment for me. Currently, my aim is to motivate and involve everyone, emphasizing the importance of playing irrespective of the competition. This is the message I wish to convey."

We tailor our approach based on the unique qualities of our players, aiming to maximize their strengths. Different games call for different strategies and objectives.

In my view, the match against Everton held immense significance, as it greatly contributed to the success of the team.