The long-awaited battle of who Arsenal’s number 1 goalkeeper has concluded. The undisputed spot has been given to Arsenal’s latest signing David Raya.
Mikel Arteta was assured of a headache when Brentford’s Raya was brought to London on loan. Despite Aaron Ramsdale’s iconic performance last season, the Englishman has failed to retain his spot in Arsenal’s last two games which clearly indicates Arteta’s choice of a first-choice goalkeeper now.
Post international break, David Raya has started off for Arsenal and two polished displays against Everton in the Premier League and PSV in the Champions League has greened his chances of starting this weekend.
On being asked if Raya can outdo Ramsdale with the form he has been, Raya replied: ‘Of course, it is something every player has to do – to back yourself to get in the team and that is why I moved to Arsenal and try to do my best for the team when I’m selected.
‘You never know when you’re going to play and that is the hardest thing to do. Making your debut for a club like Arsenal, and obviously having Aaron as a team-mate makes it a bit harder for you, but it came quick but you never know when it is going to be and you have to be ready.’
‘It is a dream come true to play at the highest level so I’m very pleased to make my debut, but the main thing was the result and we got the three points in the end, so that is the main thing.’
‘I understand that and I think it is the first time that two top goalkeepers are in the same team,’ Raya added.
‘That is just part of football now and the gaffer wants two top players for each position and that is what we have to work with. I have played the last two games and now we see what happens on Sunday.’
‘He (Ramsdale) has been great, he is a great team-mate, a leader as well. He is a great lad and a great keeper as well, we are team-mates and that is the main thing.
‘We are team-mates at the end of the day,’ concluded Raya.
