David Raya, the new Arsenal goalkeeper, has finally made his debut for the Gunners against Everton on Sunday. Raya signed for Arsenal on a season-long loan deal that includes a buyout clause from Brentford. The Spaniard had an impressive time at Brentford, which caught the eye of big clubs in the Premier League, and ultimately joined last season’s runners-up.
The Spaniard keeper had been on the bench since moving to London until yesterday when Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta stunned the fans with his decision as he handed Raya his first start for the club against tough opposition in an away game.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta justifies squad selection
Aaron Ramsdale is the first choice for number 1 at Arsenal; the English keeper started all of their league games last season. That continued into this season as well, as he started all of their four previous league fixtures. The new goalkeeper David Raya was an unused substitute in all of their previous league games.
The arrival of the Spaniards at the Emirates was initially seen as a choice for backup goalkeeper behind Ramsdale, but Mikel Arteta has stated that, for him, all players are equal, and he will provide them with equal opportunities.
The Arsenal boss said, “It’s the same rationale that Fabio (Vieira) played here or Eddie (Nketiah} played instead of Gabriel Jesus. I have 11 players to pick and no one is different”.
Mikel Arteta justified his decision to drop England international Aaron Ramsdale for David Raya as part of a squad rotation policy as they prepare for a hectic schedule of fixtures in the upcoming weeks.
“There will be rotations. I mentioned that we wanted to build a squad with two quality players in each position” Arteta told reporters.
It is expected that Aaron Ramsdale will start for Arsenal in a home Champions League game against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday and on the weekend against Spurs.
David Raya shines for Arsenal vs Everton
In a tricky away trip to Merseyside, the new name in the lineup shone on the occasion against Everton in a 1-0 victory at Goodison Park. The 28-year-old Spaniard’s heroics denied any opportunity to the hosts as they failed to break the deadlock.
In his first start for Arsenal, David Raya managed to keep a clean sheet and helped the Gunners break their winless run at Everton, and now with another win, the Gunners continue their unbeaten streak of the season.
Could David Raya potentially outmatch Aaron Ramsdale’s performances and eventually replace him as Arsenal’s No. 1 goalkeeper? Tell us what you think in the comments.
