18 September 2023 , 16:29
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Arsenal now have the strength in depth AND the squad cohesion to challenge at the highest level.
That is the verdict from skipper Martin Odegaard, who believes the intense competition for a starting place in Mikel Arteta’s side is driving the level up from last season’s Premier League second place finish.
The Gunners boss surprised many with some key changes to his line up at Everton, when he rotated his goalkeepers to give summer loan signing David Raya his first start. Big money signing Kai Havertz was also left out, along with Takehiro Tomiyasu. But Odegaard believes that will only help the push for honours…with everyone pulling together as a squad.
“The competition for places is huge and I think that is a great thing for us and helps a lot,” he said. "You see in training every day the quality we have so everyone has to be on their best every day in training and that's a good thing and will help us improve as a team as well.
“I think it showed the depth in the squad now. We have so many quality players, the players on the bench can come on and change the game if we need it. I feel the competition myself, and it helps us all.”
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Ramsdale’s omission sparked surprise, as did Arteta’s comments afterwards, when he insisted he was ready to replace his goalkeeper DURING a game if necessary.
Martin Odegaard has given his verdict on David Raya replacing Aaron Ramsdale (Getty Images)Where will Arsenal finish this season? Share your predictions in the comments below
But Odegaard maintained there was no bad feeling in the squad, and he believes last season’s stand out Ramsdale will respond in the right way.
“I think he will just keep working hard, like he is always doing. Today he was there supporting us, cheering for us, helping us,” the skipper revealed.
“He is a great character and he showed a very good response today by backing his team-mates, being there and giving us energy. Excellent from him. We have two good goalkeepers there and it's big competition.
“They have different qualities, two top goalkeepers and both so good on the ball and in the goal as well. We are lucky to have two such good goalkeepers and we will see who will play but both of them are excellent.”