19 September 2023 , 06:22
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Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard doesn't expect Aaron Ramsdale to change his ways as he looks to regain his starting berth.
The goalkeeper, who has largely been an ever present for the Gunners over the past two years, was dropped in the win at Everton with summer signing David Raya preferred. Mikel Arteta signed the Spaniard from Brentford in the summer and opted to make the switch at Goodison Park.
The decision raised eyebrows given how Ramsdale hasn't made any high profile error or become a liability for the north Londoners. Instead Arteta cited the need to have - and use - two quality goalkeepers in his squad. Odegaard, who signed permanently in the same summer as Ramsdale, expects the English to respond with his usual work rate having praised his attitude.
He said: "I think he will just keep working hard, like he is always doing today [Sunday] he was there supporting us, cheering for us, helping us. He is a great character and he showed a very good response today by backing the team. It was excellent from him. We have two good goalkeepers and big competition. They have different qualities.
"They are both so good on the ball and in goal as well. So, we are lucky to have two such good goalkeepers and we will see who plays."
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Arteta has previously been ruthless when it comes to his No 1 having axed Bernd Leno for Ramsdale two years ago. The Englishman has been part of teams that narrowly missed out on the top four and then mounted a title challenge, but the Spaniard still wanted more quality in between the sticks.
David Raya was named ahead of Aaron Ramsdale (Getty Images)He justified his selection at Everton by saying: "It is something that historically is done like this but I cannot have two players in this position and not play them. David has tremendous qualities like Aaron has and Karl has, but we have to use them and it is like this."
Arsenal welcome PSV to the Emirates as they return to the Champions League before a north London derby on their own patch against Tottenham, who are also unbeaten. The both games are huge clashes and who Arteta picks as his goalkeeper could prove telling.
Already there has been talk of Ramsdale moving on with several suitors monitoring his situation. Raya made it known when he left Brentford that he wanted a move to a top club and few think he would've left the Bees to play a bit part role with Arsenal expected to make his loan move a permanent one.