Raya opens up on Arsenal goalkeeper situation as Arteta faces Tottenham call

21 September 2023 , 09:35

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David Raya has opened up on Arsenal's goalkeeper situation (Image: Getty Images)

David Raya has urged Aaron Ramsdale to "fight for the team" as Mikel Arteta debates whether to stick with the ex-Brentford goalkeeper against Tottenham this weekend.

Arteta named Raya in the Arsenal side for the second successive match on Wednesday, as the Gunners ran out 4-0 winners over PSV in the Champions League. Raya made his debut in the 1-0 win at Everton and was given the nod once more for their first game in Europe's elite club competition for six years.

Raya has not conceded a goal in his opening two matches and could keep his place for the North London Derby, although Ramsdale will be chomping at the bit to come back in. But following the Gunners' win over PSV, Raya was quizzed about Arsenal's current goalkeeper situation - and admitted the duo must push each other.

"That is his choice, it is not my choice," Raya said of Arteta's decision. "When Aaron comes back in, he needs to fight for the team and win games. It is part of football now that two top goalkeepers are in the same team.

"The gaffer wants two top players for every position and that is what we have to work with. I have played the last two games and I don't know what will happen on Sunday."

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Ramsdale had started the first four matches of the season as the Gunners picked up 10 points from a possible 12, conceding four times in the process. The former Sheffield United 'keeper was criticised for his role in Fulham's opening goal inside 30 seconds, while many felt he could have saved Marcus Rashford's strike in the victory over Manchester United earlier this month.

Aaron Ramsdale's last Arsenal appearance came against Manchester United (Getty Images)

And despite making a rare appearance for England against Scotland over the international break, Arteta decided to make a change between the sticks to face Everton at Goodison Park. When explaining his decision, Arteta said: "I think I mentioned it that we wanted to build a squad with two quality players in each position, with different characteristics, and we have got that now.

"And to maximise that they have to play games, and we have a lot of things coming up now. And we have the same with other players we have rotated and there will be a lot of game-time in the next few weeks."

Who do you think should be Arsenal's first-choice goalkeeper? Let us know in the comments below!

Arsenal's David Raya could keep his place to face Tottenham (Getty Images)

Raya kept his place in the XI for the game against PSV and impressed once more, keeping another clean sheet to help secure the Gunners' first Champions League win in over half a decade. Jamie Carragher has weighed in on Arsenal's goalkeeper debate and insists Arteta had to bring Raya in.

"I understand having two goalkeepers of a similar ability; I understand mentally it might be a problem for the goalkeeper," Carragher told CBS Sports. "But surely if Mikel Arteta thinks he can get a better goalkeeper in the building, he has to make that signing to make Arsenal a better team."

"Arsenal will never win the league with Ramsdale in goal, no chance," Carragher added. "Ramsdale is playing for Arsenal, and he can’t even get in the England team."

Kieran King