Looks like Raya is here to stay
When Arteta chose to start David Raya over Aaron Ramsdale against Everton, Arsenal fans were a bit shocked, but after constant questions about the change Arteta had said that it was more down to rotation then due to form, but after Arteta picked Raya to start for the third time in a row on Sunday afternoon, it has Arsenal fans wondering if Raya is now our number one.
Raya, who’s joined Arsenal this summer on a season long loan, with an option to buy him next summer, had started off the season positively, picking up clean sheets against both Everton and Champions League opponents PSV, Raya looks to be the business.
Before the team sheet came out for the London Derby, Arteta had stated that the wanted to be able to rotate his keepers and it was just like rotating any other player. Most Arsenal fans were assuming that Ramsdale would be starting against Tottenham but once the team sheet came out and Raya was starting again, pretty much confirmed that Raya is Arteta’s new first choice keeper.
After a perfect first two starts in red and white for Raya, Tottenham came to the emirates and managed to put two goals past him, leaving some Arsenal fans worried about his future between the sticks and wondering if Arteta had jumped the gun a bit too soon with Ramsdale.
Ramsdale who was incredible for us last season and helped us get where we are now, will no doubt be disappointed, every player wants to be starting, but goalkeepers can arguably be the hardest players to keep happy and switching between two never usually works out.
As we saw last season with Fabio Vieira, when Arteta makes his mind up about something, he will usually stick with it until it works, and I think Raya will be the same. Picking him to start against Tottenham I think sends the message that he is the first-choice keeper and if he swaps them now, after one bad game from Raya, it sends the wrong message.
What’s your thoughts Gooners? Has Arteta made a mistake swapping the keepers so early in the season? How will he manage to keep both Raya and Ramsdale happy?
Daisy Mae
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Arteta has in a way gambled with Raya. I know it’s only a loan deal with an option to buy, but he has to be playing to make the loan worthwhile. He isn’t a number 2. If he is doing well in training then he has to be given a chance. He wasn’t thrust into the lion’s den against Everton and did well against PSV. There was no reason to drop him as continuity is key. Possibly Arteta has made a rod for his own back by having 2 number one keepers. I can’t second guess Arteta’s next move
Raya was determined for a clean sheet in the Arsenal and Tottenham North London derby but seeing five Arsenal players block him instead of moving to assist Saka stop the opponent led to the first goal; the second necessary was no fault of his. Arsenal players should learn to stop opposition at a distance and end executive displays. Our team was poor yesterday except Jesus, Saka, Saliba and Raya.
The game was a bit though but that superb save to deny johnson in the first was good saliba was solid saka magic performer jesus played well from the left great game
Im not sure there is a come back at Arsenal for Ramsdale. I think the die has been cast.
I think there is no number 1 or 2, it’s just a case of who is at his best.
Raya has NO leadership qualities and that showed on Sunday. Another Leno esque type GK. Ramsdale has better leadership skills like Jens Lehman of the yesterday years. Poor judgement by MA. If Ramsdale needs improvement, what are the GK coaches hired for? Cheque book manager unable to coach players. With Ramsdale we managed some comebacks, but Sunday we were pathetic against average TH (except for Son and Maddison), I fear for Pool and City, home and away. 8 to 12 points could be gone, having lost 4 points to average teams. Wake up MA or walk away MA.
I doubt either Raya or Ramsdale are prepared to be 2nd Choice, we all know one or the other will not be at Arsenal next season. That said Arteta will have to bring a keeper who is willing to play second fiddle so he will be back to square one.
Sometimes you can try and be too clever for your own good.