Consistency is a crucial factor in football when it comes to maintaining your spot in the face of fierce competition and the support of fans. Regardless of a player’s impressive track record or recent form, rival fans can swiftly criticize and target them when they have a subpar performance. Such a player might even get dropped by the manager.
Many fans thought there was no need for David Raya at Arsenal, considering that the position was already effectively handled by Aaron Ramsdale. However, Ramsdale has experienced a drop in form lately, and Raya is gradually taking his place.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s witty interaction in presser
David Raya is highly regarded as one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League, but fans are puzzled about why Arteta brought him in. Arsenal already had a first-choice goalkeeper in Aaron Ramsdale, who has been a standout performer for the team since his arrival two years ago. Aaron Ramsdale was very instrumental to Arsenal’s strong finish in the 2022–23 Premier League season.
However, Raya’s arrival has threatened Ramsdale’s spot as No. 1 goalkeeper. Legendary Premier League goalkeeper Shay Given has referred to the signing as a “problem” for Arteta. However, the Arsenal manager has provided an explanation for his decision.
Arteta was asked, “Is there a No.1” during his press conference on Thursday morning. He replied: “In any position? No. Nine? Seven? 11? Six? Goalkeeper? No, there isn’t.”
Arteta went further to emphasize the need for at least two players for every position, saying, “What happened to Jurrien (Timber, a serious injury) can happen to a goalkeeper. If Aaron were to sustain a cruciate, what would you say? We have two excellent goalkeepers.”
Arsenal GK Aaron Ramsdale’s father labelled Jamie Carragher a ‘disgrace’
Aaron Ramsdale has found himself relegated in the pecking order at Arsenal, as Mikel Arteta appears to have chosen loan-signing David Raya as the new No.1 at the Emirates. Raya has started the last three matches, including the Champions League game against PSV and the recent North London Derby, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
Since the ‘take over’, Raya has made notable, excellent saves. In the game against Nottingham Forest, Raya pulled a brilliant save when hit by Brennan Johnson, and Aaron Ramsdale was pictured applauding him heartily. Jamie Carragher, the Liverpool legend, found this funny because he assumed that the applause could not have been genuine, seeing that Raya had effectively taken Ramsdale’s spot.
Jamie Carragher, sharing his opinion of Ramsdale’s applause, said, “I thought it was like the Oscars; you know, when someone loses the Oscar, and they start clapping and smiling for the other person. I was laughing when I saw that. He’s absolutely devastated.”
The comment has certainly not been taken lightly in the Ramsdale household, and the goalkeeper’s father used social media X to criticize the Liverpool legend for his remarks. Saying, “You are a disgrace!! show some class.”
Do you see Aaron Ramsdale regaining the top sport in the Gunners squad? Tell us what you think in the comments.
