Aaron Ramsdale explains how David Raya has helped him despite brutal Arsenal axe

20 October 2023 , 09:50

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Aaron Ramsdale explains how David Raya has helped him despite brutal Arsenal axe

Aaron Ramsdale has opened up on his relationship with David Raya after falling behind the Arsenal new boy in the Emirates pecking order.

Ramsdale, 25, swiftly established himself as the Gunners' first-choice goalkeeper after joining the club back in the summer of 2021, however, Raya appears to be the club's new No.1 after starting Arsenal's last four Premier League games.

During the international break, the England shot-stopper admitted that he is “suffering and hurting” due to the current situation at his club. But the former Sheffield United man has stressed that it has been Raya who has helped pick him up in recent weeks.

Speaking during his time away with England, Ramsdale told reporters: “There are days when I come in and I'm down because of the situation and he picks me up and, for whatever reason, there might be a day where he's down and even though I'm suffering and hurting for not playing, I have to stand up and be able to push him and make sure he's ready if he if he's picked to play.”

Mikel Arteta's decision to start the season with two No.1 calibre goalkeepers has been criticised by plenty of pundits, including Gary Neville. Former Gunners goalkeeper Bernd Leno - who was replaced by Ramsdale before leaving the club - has also questioned such an approach.

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Raya joined the club in the summer in an initial £3million loan deal which is highly likely to be made permanent for a further £27m next year - meaning Ramsdale could be out in the cold long-term.

Join the debate! Who do you think should be Arsenal's No.1: Ramsdale or Raya? Let us know here.

Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has opened up on his relationship with David Raya (Getty Images)

Speaking ahead of Arsenal's return to action this weekend against Chelsea, Arteta sympathised with Ramsdale over his current plight but urged the shot-stopper to respond by working even harder.

When he was asked about Ramsdale's comments during the international break, Arteta told reporters: “It's not easy for any player who's not playing as much as they'd like. The only way to do it is to work harder and when you get the opportunity do your best.”

After recovering from a nervy start in the huge 1-0 win over Manchester City prior to the break, Raya is expected to retain his place for the London derby against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.

And Arteta is wary of the threat that the Blues will pose under new head coach Mauricio Pochettino. He added of Chelsea's progress under the Argentine: “It's happening quickly, they deserve much more in terms of points. You can see they will be up there.”

Dan Marsh