Arsenal shot-stopper Aaron Ramsdale has made light of his ongoing battle with David Raya for a place in Mikel Arteta’s starting XI.
Raya joined the Gunners during the summer transfer window, signing initially on loan from fellow Premier League team Brentford.
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The Spanish international has since displaced Ramsdale in Arsenal’s starting XI, with the England international continuing to be linked with a move to Chelsea in recent times.
But he remains upbeat, even mocking the speculation in a training session at the club’s London Colney training base.
As Raya walked onto the pitch during Monday’s training session, Ramsdale ran to catch up with his fellow ‘keeper before saying: “It’s alright lads. I’m here. We’re together.”
This comes after Raya’s poor display during Arsenal’s 2-2 draw against Chelsea at the weekend. The Spaniard was at fault for Mykhailo Mudryk’s goal to make it 2-0 after half-time.
The Ukraine international saw his cross-come-shot loop over Raya’s head, with Manchester United legend Gary Neville criticising the 28-year-old’s performance.
“David Raya started his Arsenal career well but then he had a poor Champions League game [against Lens] followed by that first half against Manchester City,” Neville said during Sky Sports’ coverage of the match on Saturday.
“Now, this game. It’s getting hot for him. He’s got that look on his face like, ‘help’. It’s the toughest position to play and certainly when you’re at one of the biggest clubs in the league, you’re under the most amount of scrutiny – particularly if you’re a goalkeeper.
“Mikel Arteta has created that, let’s be clear with the Ramsdale and Raya situation. It’s unusual but he says it can work. I’ve never believed it could, and I believe we’re seeing in front of our eyes the challenges that exists because now, there is going to be pressure.
“Aaron Ramsdale hadn’t done a lot wrong at the start of the season. Raya has now started to make mistakes.”
