Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta told he must now ‘live and die’ by ‘strange’ decision

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Shay Given feels Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta must now ‘live and die’ by his ‘strange’ decision to replace Aaron Ramsdale with David Raya despite the Spaniard’s struggles.

The Republic of Ireland hero was ‘really sorry’ for Ramsdale this summer when Arteta opted to sign Raya. He felt the England international was one of the reasons why Arsenal fought to win the Premier League title last season. Yet Arteta still saw scope to strengthen his options.

Raya joined Arsenal on loan from Brentford for £3m in August with a £27m option to secure a permanent transfer. The 28-year-old initially earned a seat on the bench at Emirates Stadium after arriving in north London. But Arteta axed Ramsdale in favour of Raya come September.

David Raya has not been an upgrade on Aaron Ramsdale for Arsenal

Ramsdale has only featured once outside of their two Carabao Cup ties since the September international break. Arteta recalled the 25-year-old at Brentford with Raya ineligible to meet his parent club in the league. Raya has started 10 top-flight and five Champions League ties.

But Raya has not proven to be an upgrade on Ramsdale in any way since becoming Arsenal’s No1 for Arteta. He has continually produced unconvincing performances, either with the ball at his feet or as a shot-stopper. The three-cap man’s plight continued at Luton Town, as well.

Arsenal may have beaten Luton 4-3 thanks to Declan Rice’s stoppage-time winner but Raya was at fault for two of the goals the Gunners conceded. WhoScored even rated his match as the worst performance by any Premier League player so far this season at a woeful 4.07/10.

Shay Given believes Mikel Arteta must ‘live and die’ by his decision

Yet despite Raya’s often worrying performances, Arteta has stuck with his signing despite Ramsdale remaining on Arsenal’s bench. And former Newcastle United and Manchester City goalkeeper Given believes Arteta must still ‘live and die’ by his decision to replace Ramsdale.

“I felt really sorry for Ramsdale if I’m being brutally honest,” Given told the Daily Star. “Not taking anything away from Raya, I think he’s a top keeper, as well. But what’s the saying, if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.

“I believe that last year, Ramsdale was one of the reasons they were challenging for the Premier League because he’s a top goalkeeper. So, it was a strange one to bring [Raya] in. But [Arteta’s] made that decision and you know, he’s got to live and die by that.”