Mikel Arteta decision speaks volumes after Arsenal selection against Tottenham
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta named David Raya in goal against Tottenham on Sunday.
For the third successive match, following last weekend's 1-0 win at Everton and the midweek thrashing of PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League, the Gunners boss elected to start the on-loan stopper instead of last season's No.1 Aaron Ramsdale
Arteta doesn't mind making ruthless calls - having signed Ramsdale and moved on Bernd Leno in a similar manner two years ago - and while it was Ramsdale who played the first four Premier League games of the campaign, Raya now looks to be the club's new No.1.
Mirror Sport revealed this week that the 28-year-old Spain international had been signed to usurp Ramsdale. But it is happening much quicker than had been anticipated.
Arteta has had to face plenty of questions surrounding the situation in recent weeks. Pressed for comment on how Ramsdale has responded to losing his place, Arteta told the media last Friday: "I understand [his frustration] and it's very difficult for every player.
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"He's been very supportive and good around the place and that's what I expect from every single player because when you're on the field there is someone else who's not so it works both ways. So far he's been very good.
"It is hard and with other players it's the same. Aaron is an exceptional character and has a charisma and aura around him and we all know that. We have to deal with that but I need to make a line-up to prepare for the game."
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David Raya has started the last two games for Arsenal (Getty Images)When asked directly if he had made up his mind over who would be starting against Spurs, Arteta claimed: "No, I haven't decided who will start."
While Ramsdale is yet to publicly comment on the matter, Raya recently discussed the situation and is clearly relishing the competition for minutes with the England international. He also made clear that his fellow Gunners goalkeeper will have to fight for the role.
"It is something every player has to do — to back yourself to get in the team, and that is why I moved to Arsenal and try to do my best for the team when I’m selected," Raya explained.
"I’ve just been selected for the last two games, that is just the choice of the gaffer — that is his choice, not my choice, and when Aaron comes in he will need to also fight for the team and to win games.
“I think it is the first time that two top goalkeepers are in the same team, so that is just part of football now. The gaffer wants two top players for each position, and that is what we have to work with. I have played the last two games and now we see what happens on Sunday.”
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