Arsenal’s goalkeeping situation has come under real scrutiny this season since David Raya replaced Aaron Ramsdale, but so far Mikel Arteta’s decision has not paid off.
Ramsdale was included in the PFA Team of the Year last season, but Arsenal chose to sign Raya from Brentford, and the Spaniard arrived as a highly-rated option.
Raya has started shakily in an Arsenal shirt, and made another error as Newcastle snatched a controversial winner at St James’ Park on Saturday.
The criticism has shown no signs of slowing down, and with both goalkeepers suffering, Arteta has now been slammed for his decision to bring Raya in.
Arteta slammed for David Raya decision
Writing in his blog, BEIN Sports pundit Richard Keys has now highlighted the mistake Arteta has made over his goalkeeping options.
“Raya is not an upgrade on Ramsdale. He’s poor on crosses. He flapped at Willock’s. He flapped one onto the bar in the derby v Spurs that led to Son’s equaliser and Mudryk’s mis-hit cross caught him badly out of position,” he claimed.
“Arteta has created himself a real problem here. ‘He’s good with his feet’ they say. Well he wasn’t v Lens.”
Has Arteta made the correct decision over David Raya?
Although Raya has had a far-from-ideal start to life in North London, the 27-year-old deserves time to settle, and the constant scrutiny over his position is negatively affecting both him and Ramsdale.
Statistically, Raya has fared better than Ramsdale this season, with the England international attracting criticism even before he was eventually dropped, but this does highlight what was inevitable following Raya’s signing.
Arteta brought in Raya despite Ramsdale’s good performances last season, and was quickly told that having two number-one options in the squad would not work. So far, Ramsdale has lost his place and has been linked with a move, whilst Raya has struggled to adapt to Arsenal amidst the heavy pressure on him.
Even if Raya does eventually become good, this is still a self-inflicted problem created by Arteta, and he now has to find a solution.
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