22 October 2023 , 12:08
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Gary Neville believes Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya is starting to feel the pressure after he was at fault for one of Chelsea's goals in their 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Raya joined Arsenal from Brentford over the summer and has usurped Aaron Ramsdale as Mikel Arteta's first-choice goalkeeper. However, the Spaniard was at fault when Arsenal lost to Lens in the Champions League earlier this month and was then caught out by an apparent mishit cross from Mykhaylo Mudryk against Chelsea, with Neville critical of Raya's positioning.
And while on commentary during the game for Sky Sports, Neville suggested the pressure of replacing Ramsdale is leading to him making mistakes. "David Raya started his Arsenal career well but then he had a poor Champions League game [against Lens] followed by that first half against Manchester City," he said.
"Now, this game. It's getting hot for him. He's got that look on his face like, 'help'. It's the toughest position to play and certainly when you're at one of the biggest clubs in the league, you're under the most amount of scrutiny - particularly if you're a goalkeeper.
" ikel Arteta has created that, let's be clear with the Ramsdale and Raya situation. It's unusual but he says it can work. I've never believed it could, and I believe we're seeing in front of our eyes the challenges that exists because now, there is going to be pressure.
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"Aaron Ramsdale hadn't done a lot wrong at the start of the season. Raya has now started to make mistakes." During the game, Arsenal fans could be heard singing Ramsdale's name and Arteta was asked about the chants following the draw.
"Great," he replied. "I love him and I will sing as well for him every single day. We sang a lot for him yesterday because he became a father - the most beautiful thing. He's someone that has this charisma and personality and he's very loved around the team."
Raya was at fault for Mykhaylo Mudryk's goal in Arsenal's 2-2 draw with Chelsea (Getty Images)Ramsdale missed the Chelsea game after his wife Georgina gave birth to their first child. However, the 25-year-old has been on the bench for Arsenal's last four Premier League games and recently admitted his lack of game time for the Gunners has left him concerned he may "fall by the wayside" for England ahead of Euro 2024.
"I need to get back into my club team to keep getting picked (for England) and keep giving the manager a headache because if I'm not, then that's an easier decision for him," Ramsdale said. " It is the first time I have found myself in this situation.
"I want to get into my club team and be able to give the manager a headache rather than just have Jordan (Pickford) as the number one and me fall by the wayside. First and foremost, I've got to give the manager a decision and be available to be picked and that is by getting back into my club team. If that's not the case, then we'll see in three or four weeks time."