Arteta now fired title warning as Arsenal face problem that Spurs and others don’t

Add as preferred source on Google

Chris Sutton has warned Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta that he now faces a challenge of his own making this season.

Much has already been made of Mikel Arteta’s decision to make David Raya his new first choice goalkeeper at Arsenal, ahead of fan favourite Aaron Ramsdale.

Whilst Raya has not always been convincing between the sticks for the Gunners, Arteta has been criticised for his treatment of Ramsdale. Meanwhile, the 25-year-old England man has spoken out publicly about the pain which his demotion in the pecking order has caused him.

All of this has led to the Arsenal goalkeeper this season, whoever it may be, being under far more scrutiny that usual. Every error immediately reignites the debate as to who the No. 1 should be.

This situation might have been avoided, had Arteta made good on his word to rotate his goalkeepers regularly this season. At one stage, earlier in the campaign, the Spanish coach even shared his plan to substitute his ‘keepers within matches. There has been no sign of any such progressive rotation policy being actually put into action, though.

Since Raya made his debut for the north London club in mid-September, Ramsdale has been very much a back up option. This has naturally led to plenty of speculation about his future.

Goalkeeper confusion could harm Arsenal title push

All of this attention, speculation, and debate cannot be helpful for Arteta, the club, or either goalkeeper.

Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton believes that this situation puts Arsenal at a disadvantage this season. Speaking on BBC 606, he said, “you have the goalkeeping shenanigans at Arsenal, where are you on that? Because Spurs don’t have that problem, it’s just Vicario.”

The likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Aston Villa – all clubs at the upper end of the Premier League table with Arsenal – have a clearly delineated first choice goalkeeper. Those goalkeepers can therefore play with the confidence that comes with feeling that their place in the team is secure.

Both Raya and Ramsdale have produced nervy and error-strewn performances at times this season. Arteta’s decision to throw the pair into direct competition for game time this season has likely been a contributing cause to these unconvincing displays. If this were to continue, it would surely cost Arsenal vital points at some stage, which may well undermine their Premier League title aspirations.